Deep geothermal energy drilling gets first set of rules in Colorado

Deep geothermal operations rules officially adopted by ECMC.

In addition to the state of Colorado throwing huge support behind geothermal energy, the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has adopted its first set of rules for deep geothermal operations. The adoption of these regulations follows the expansion of the ECMC’s focus into projects targeting energy and carbon management.

The goal of the new standards is to advance the state’s geothermal resources.

To access geothermal power, wells need to be drilled deep into the Earths’ crust. These deep geothermal operations retrieve heat from geothermal reservoirs and use the steam or hot water to produce clean electricity.

The goal of the new standards for deep geothermal operations is to advance Colorado’s geothermal energy resources by using ECMC’s extensive knowledge and experience in establishing regulations for surface and subsurface energy development activities. The new measures, which came to fruition after last year’s Senate Bill 285 was signed into law, have been designed to protect the environment and wildlife as well as protect public health, welfare, and safety.

Colorado’s huge support of geothermal energy.

The geothermal energy industry is gaining ground in Colorado due to the state being home to several areas that have higher than average subsurface temperatures. According to the ECMC, geothermal is a dependable and clean power source that lowers Colorado’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Geothermal can help lower emissions and save state residents money, said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

With ECMC’s recent Geothermal Resources Study and the very first “comprehensive standards for permitting Deep Geothermal”, the state is ready to make use of this renewable power resource, Gov. Polis added.

Geothermal energy can help Colorado meet both its clean air and clean energy goals.

Colorado has awarded funding for 35 geothermal projects.

Back in May of this year (2024), Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Energy Office announced $7.7 million in grant awards via the Geothermal Energy Grant Program for 35 geothermal energy projects in the state.

These projects cover an array of geothermal applications, including geothermal power production, single-structure geothermal heat pump installations, and interconnected thermal power networks between buildings.