The proposed permitting changes aim to expedite the discovery of new geothermal resources. Credit: Yuliya Sakalouskaya / Shutterstock.

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has revealed plans to expand geothermal energy on public lands.

The initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious target of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given the green light to the Fervo Cape geothermal power project in Beaver County, Utah, expected to harness innovative technology to generate up to 2GW of baseload power.

The BLM has now authorised almost 32GW of clean energy projects on public lands, including 42 projects sanctioned by the current administration.

BLM director Tracy Stone-Manning stated: “The BLM is committed to supporting the responsible growth of geothermal energy on public lands.

“We need all the tools in the toolbox to reach a clean energy future, and this proposed categorical exclusion will help accelerate the process of locating new geothermal resources.”  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

There are currently 51 operational geothermal power plants on BLM-managed lands.

In a bid to further streamline the expansion, the BLM has proposed a new categorical exclusion (CX) to expedite the confirmation of geothermal energy resources.

The proposed CX would cover geothermal resource confirmation operations on up to 20 acres.

The BLM’s recent geothermal lease sale, the largest in more than 15 years, underscores the momentum behind geothermal energy development.

The proposed permitting changes aim at accelerating the discovery of new geothermal resources, particularly in states such as Nevada, which has considerable untapped geothermal potential.

In January 2024, Enel Green Power North America finalised the sale of its geothermal portfolio along with several small solar plants in the US to Ormat Technologies.