The Department of the Interior has announced significant advancements in geothermal energy development on public lands, aimed at achieving the Biden-Harris administration's target of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. This initiative includes the approval of the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Beaver County, Utah, which is projected to generate up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of baseload power, sufficient to supply over 2 million homes.

With this latest approval, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has sanctioned nearly 32 gigawatts of clean energy projects on public lands, including 42 projects approved since the onset of the Biden-Harris administration. Additionally, the BLM is proposing a new categorical exclusion aimed at simplifying the confirmation of geothermal resources on public lands.

Dr. Steve Feldgus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, emphasized that geothermal energy represents a vital yet underutilized clean energy resource. "Today's actions are part of the Department's work to deliver on new opportunities, new technologies, and new solutions in geothermal energy," he stated.

The recent announcements follow a successful geothermal lease sale in Nevada on October 8, which generated over $7.8 million from 64 parcels, highlighting increased interest in geothermal development. The BLM currently oversees 51 operating geothermal power plants across public lands, reinforcing the commitment to responsible growth in this sector.

The proposed categorical exclusion will streamline the discovery process for new geothermal resources, facilitating exploration and accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Source: doi.gov