Researchers at the University of Oklahoma recently unveiled a drilling rig that could tap into geothermal vents below the surface of the earth and provide a source of energy that was previously inaccessible, according to Interesting Engineering.

Geothermal energy, if it can be accessed, could be a reliable source of power without any carbon emissions. However, a viable way to tap into the source at depths twice as deep as our deepest oil and gas wells has yet to be fully tested and utilized.

Orkhan Khankishiyev, a master’s student at the University of Oklahoma, has conceptualized a rig that is 17 feet tall and may have the ability to reach the depths necessary — at least 20,000 feet deep —  to tap into geothermal energy.

While the team has moved from concept to prototype quickly, it could take a couple of years to extensively test its performance.

Learn more: Interesting Engineering > US researchers unveil new drilling rig to tap into energy reserves