Aug 20, 2026
Successful Final Tests at DeepLight
As part of the DeepLight project, extensive final tests were conducted in July 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development of the EIV drilling system (a drilling system based on the electro-impact method). The tests took place at the partner company TNO in the Netherlands and focused on validating the surge voltage segment and the drilling electrodes of the EIV drill. The tests confirmed the functionality of the pulse voltage generator and demonstrated that the drilling electrodes enable material removal across the entire surface.
It is particularly noteworthy that material removal was achieved without rotation or with oscillating rotation of the drill. This opens up new possibilities for the further development of the technology. Another milestone was the testing of new developments aimed at improving the performance of the drilling electrode and enabling more efficient use of UV light in the impulse voltage circuit.
In large-scale laboratory tests and on TNO’s drilling platform, the functionality of the EIV drilling system and its compatibility with a conventional drilling rig were demonstrated. The combination of state-of-the-art equipment and realistic test conditions played a key role in verifying the system’s functionality under conditions close to real-world operations. Overall, the test campaign provided valuable insights for the further development of the EIV drilling system. The results confirm the feasibility of EIV drilling for deep geothermal energy using water-based drilling fluid and lay the foundation for future industrial applications.