September 2024 San Miguel Power Association Features Western Colorado Geothermal Energy in Monthly EnergyWise Newsletter
Could Western Slope Geothermal Help Colorado Reach Renewable Energy Goals?
Of all the energy sources we consider “renewable,” one that can also be called “steady” is geothermal energy. Geothermal electric production converts heat below the earth’s surface into clean, round-theclock power through wells drilled deep underground. “There’s enormous potential [for geothermal electricity], largely because of our seismology,” said Colorado Governor, Jared Polis. “We happen to have great subsurface heat in Colorado.” The Western Slope is a large part of that equation. With natural hot springs in Ouray, Orvis, Rico, Dunton and Log Hill, the San Miguel Power’s service territory could be considered a hot bed (pun intended) of geothermal potential! Challenges to geothermal energy development include the high upfront costs of exploration, drilling risks, and the need for technological advancements to tap into deep geothermal resources effi ciently. Despite these challenges, there is growing interest from both public and private sectors, fueled by the potential for clean energy and economic benefi ts such as job creation and energy independence.
Local organizations looking to realize that potential include the Good Shepherd Ranch, LLC which is an extended family of entrepreneurs, engineers and ranchers, with a vision of creating sustainable development solutions on their unique 960-acre property in the midst of SMPA territory. “There are several recent breakthroughs in technological barriers that place geothermal energy on the cusp of mass commercialization,” says Wendy Fenner, PE and President of ZGEO Energy who has studied the geothermal potential of the region and is ready to start drilling on Good Shepherd Ranch.
Another entity working toward the utilization of local geothermal resources is the Rico Geothermal Coalition, a partnership of Rico residents and industry partner, Teverra. The coalition was recently awarded grant funding through the Colorado Geothermal Grant Program for a Community District Heating/Thermal Energy Network Grant.
Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard and incentives for clean energy projects provide a favorable environment for geothermal development. Technology and workflow advances adapted from oil and gas have also expanded the industry’s ability to precisely direct fluid flow below ground, and advanced 3-D subsurface modeling has changed the design processes of projects, drilling wells, and managing reservoirs Harvesting technologies like conventional steam, binary, combined cycle, and integrated two-level power plants are all options to consider as research continues.
While geothermal energy exploration on Colorado’s Western Slope remains in the exploratory phase, it’s exciting to think that such a steady, abundant, emissions-free energy source is within reach as our state marches toward its 2040 goal of 100% renewable energy
