Pulsed Power Plasma Stimulation (3PS) represents a promising and environmentally favorable alternative to conventional well stimulation techniques for enhancing subsurface permeability. This comprehensive review tracks the evolution of plasma-based rock stimulation, offering insights from key laboratory, numerical, and field-scale studies. The review begins with foundational electrohydraulic discharge concepts and progresses through the evolution of Pulsed Arc Electrohydraulic Discharge (PAED) and the more advanced 3PS systems. High-voltage, ultrafast plasma discharges generate mechanical shockwaves and localized thermal effects that result in complex fracture networks, particularly in tight and crystalline formations. Compared to conventional well stimulation techniques, 3PS reduces water use, avoids chemical additives, and minimizes induced seismicity. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant improvements in permeability, porosity, and fracture intensity, while field trials show an increase in production from oil, gas, and geothermal wells. However, 3PS faces some limitations such as short stimulation radii and logistical constraints in wireline-based delivery systems. Emerging technologies like plasma-assisted drilling and hybrid PDC–plasma tools offer promising integration pathways. Overall, 3PS provides a practical, scalable, low-impact stimulation approach with broad applicability across energy sectors, especially in environmentally sensitive or water-scarce regions.

This study introduces nanoparticle-enhanced pulsed power plasma stimulation (NP-3PS) as a waterless fracturing technology for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), employing ultrafast high-pressure plasma discharges from a 20 kJ capacitor charged to 40 kV to initiate and propagate complex fractures in 8-inch (20.32 cm) granite cubes via single pulses of 10, 12, and 16 kJ and a staged 4 + 6 kJ sequence. A 2-inch (5.03 cm) borehole was filled with nanofluid containing 0.3 wt % aluminum NP (60–80 nm) suspended in 7 wt % potassium chloride (KCl) + 0.18 wt % guar gum to sustain thermite reactions and multi-cycle shockwaves, generating peak pressures exceeding 100,000 psi (690 MPa) within microseconds. Post-stimulation diagnostics using 13 µm micro-CT, thin-section microscopy, and acoustic velocity analysis revealed dense branched fractures, porosity increase from 1.3% to 4.6% (~250%), and thermal conductivity reduction of 9–16%, indicating enhanced permeability and convective heat-transfer potential. The NP-driven multi-pulse mechanism reactivated existing fractures at lower energy without wire replacement, establishing a quantitative framework linking plasma dynamics, rock damage evolution, and thermal response, thus confirming NP-3PS as a scalable and sustainable alternative to hydraulic fracturing for geothermal reservoir stimulation.