America is transitioning to renewable energy. But our nation’s power grid can’t handle the demand.
That’s where a big new idea comes into the picture: “utility tunnels” bored by high-tech machines. Connecting major cities in the U.S., these tunnels can deliver power, high-speed internet, transportation services, and more.
Elon Musk is working on a network of tunnels like these through The Boring Company, which is already valued at nearly six billion dollars. But so is an early-stage startup called EarthGrid, which has the potential to be just as valuable.
Essentially, EarthGrid’s boring machines use high-power plasma torches that vaporize and break up rock, clay, and obstacles into small fragments, a technique known as spallation. As the company’s Founder describes, “Imagine ten lightsabers vaporizing rock and soil, and a Mandalorian jetpack blowing it all out the back.”
Using this technology, EarthGrid is creating a network of underground tunnels that exist nationwide.
Once operational, these tunnels will enable the company to rapidly eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, reach 100% renewable energy, and offer ultra-high-speed internet, sustainable clean water, wastewater services, and transportation/delivery services.