The Heat Beneath Our Feet: Colorado Leads on Geothermal Energy and Renewables, Lands National Center of Excellence

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis highlighted the significant progress Colorado has made to boost geothermal energy and become a national leader in low-cost renewable energy. The Department of Energy today named the National Laboratory of the Rockies a Center of Excellence for geothermal energy to advance geothermal development, research and innovation.

"Colorado leads the nation in geothermal and renewable energy, and today's announcement recognizes the enormous potential of this clean energy source to save people money and lower costs for families and businesses. By harnessing the heat beneath our feet, we're cutting down on our emissions and using this innovative technology to take advantage of Colorado's unique natural resources, producing clean, affordable heat for homes, businesses and large institutions in our state. I congratulate the National Laboratory of the Rockies on this important achievement and our ongoing partnership to boost geothermal energy production in Colorado," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis has positioned Colorado as a leader on geothermal and low-cost renewable energy to save people money and create jobs. As chair of the Western Governors' Association, Governor Polis launched The Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative, which focused on expanding geothermal energy research and exploration. In 2023, Governor Polis announced Colorado's Geothermal Energy Grants, which have provided $9.8 million in funding for 43 heating and cooling projects and six electricity efforts in Colorado. For example, a geothermal project near Durango aims to offset 20 MW of electricity demand, and with these grants, Colorado Mesa University is expanding geothermal heating and cooling to buildings across its campus. Combined with the Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering, Colorado has awarded nearly $43 million to advance geothermal in the state since 2023. A recent Executive Action will further streamline permitting for geothermal development as well as other strategic industries.

Governor Polis worked in partnership with the legislature to pass several laws that boost production of low-cost geothermal energy in Colorado. SB26-142 streamlines how local municipalities can build thermal energy systems and allows companies to sell their extra thermal energy directly to neighbors. HB25-1165 "Geologic Storage Enterprise & Geothermal Resources" streamlines geothermal development in a manner consistent with Colorado's values by clarifying regulatory authority across state agencies while ensuring prior geothermal operations such as our treasured historic hot springs remain vibrant into the future.

Governor Polis signed SB23-285 "Energy And Carbon Management Regulation In Colorado" which updated the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to be named the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, giving the commission authority to regulate beyond oil and gas and creating a pathway for new state regulatory approvals, including enabling expanded geothermal electric generation; as well as HB23-1252 "Thermal Energy" which advanced the adoption of clean geothermal energy heating and cooling systems.

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