As soon as the opponent is hard rock, conventional drilling methods are subject to high wear and tear. The necessary drilling head changes (round trips), which take longer and longer as the depth increases, lead to an exponential rise in drilling costs. Interesting projects, particularly in the field of geothermal energy, are not being realized due to these costs. It is time to change this.
Plasma pulse geo-drilling (PPGD) is a contactless, electric drilling methhod for hard rock, which — like the mythical god ZEUS — literally throws lightning bolts and thus breaks up the rock. This process involves breaking out relatively large cuttings which are then flushed to the surface with water in an environmentally friendly manner. The decisive advantage: There is virtually no wear on the drill head. This saves time and materials and conserves resources.
Since 2018, we have been developing the unique ZEUS™ PPGD on a 1:1 scale in our laboratory hall. To date, we have been able to successfully test plasma-pulse geo-drilling with water flushing and surface generator on this plant. This is the first step towards development into a market-ready system.
ZEUS™ PPGD is currently drilling in granite at Ø20cm at 3.6-7.2m/h, thus demonstrating the potential to usher in a new era in deep drilling technology. It is now time to make ZEUS™ PPGD ready for the market within the next five years. The aim is to make deep geothermal energy economically viable as a source of continuous energy and to pave the way for access to raw materials and underground storage solutions.
Benedikt Kammermann has been responsible since 2016 for the entire development, prototype construction and testing of ZEUS™ PPGD in the role of Head of Engineering. He created the first working prototype with a borehole diameter of 8.5 cm, as proof of concept for the water flushing process. This was followed by the 1:1 test plant “Swiss PPGD experimental facility”.
From 2026, Benedikt Kammermann will focus on the development of the ZEUS™ DHPDS (Deep Hole Pulse Drilling System), which is to revolutionize drilling of several kilometers deep in hard rock.
Benedikt Kammermann is an electrical engineer HF, founder of NewDrillTec, a division of Kammermann Prozesstechnik GmbH.
NewDrillTec is in Funding Round A and ready to pitch. We are convinced that Zeus PPGD has the potential to change the world of deep drilling technology and open up important markets. We would be happy to provide interested investors with detailed information as part of a presentation. Please contact us via the following link or use the options on our contact site.
invest in the futureWe are looking for proven specialists who are enthusiastic about developing the hard rock drilling technology of the future. The project is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2026.
The following key disciplines should be represented in our team:
Have we sparked your interest? Then send us your cover letter and a short application via the following link. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
I want to create the future
NewDrillTec a division of Kammermann Prozesstechnik GmbH
Engineering und Sondermaschinenbau
Bäpur 2
CH-8618 Oetwil am See
+41 (0)43 810 55 03
info@newdrilltec.ch
