U.S. Department of Energy Selects Two Colorado Companies For Important Geothermal Data Collection Efforts

DENVER - The U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Energy Office recently announced support for 21 initiatives to expand geothermal energy across the United States, by collecting new subsurface data that will help deploy more affordable and reliable geothermal energy across the country. Two Colorado-based companies, DAVINCI EP LLC and 400C Energy Inc ., were selected to gather new data needed to expand deployment of next-gen and conventional geothermal energy.

"Colorado is leading the way on expanding and deploying low-cost and reliable Geothermal Energy. I am excited that two Colorado-based companies, DAVINCI EP LLC and 400C Energy Inc, were selected by the Department of Energy to help lead efforts to gather new data needed to expand the use of geothermal energy. The data collected by these companies will help boost investment and deliver more affordable and reliable geothermal energy in the future, helping Coloradans and Americans save money on energy," said Governor Polis.

DAVINCI EP LLC and 400C Energy Inc. are two of sixteen entities that the U.S. Department of Energy selected to gather new subsurface data needed to help increase investment and deployment of next-generation and conventional hydrothermal geothermal energy.

• DAVINCI EP LLC will drill and test two paired horizontal geothermal confirmation wells in Brawley, California. This will help identify parameters to support commercial-scale development and provide a framework that can be replicated for other similar geothermal basins.
• 400C Energy Inc will re-enter and deepen an existing geothermal well in Beaver County, Utah, to determine whether the Salt Cove area contains an extension of the nearby Roosevelt Hot Springs hydrothermal system, a high-temperature next-generation geothermal resource.

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 "Development of Thermal Energy Resources" 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. In 2024, High Altitude Geothermal put down roots in Moffat County, Colorado by joining the Rural Jumpstart Program, creating jobs, and growing Colorado's clean energy economy.

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