CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management has issued a general invitation for comment on the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project. This expanded geothermal power project, if approved, would build new facilities on BLM lands using a new method of clean energy production.
How geothermal energy works
Traditionally, geothermal energy involves pumping heated water from underground. This water is then used – directly or indirectly – to drive a turbine and generate electricity. Because the Earth’s inner layers are constantly transferring heat towards the crust, geothermal energy is constant, abundant and renewable.
Enhanced geothermal energy, on the other hand, involves pumping fluid into hot rock formations underground and then extracting it to generate electricity. This would allow plants to operate where groundwater is not available in large quantities. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy estimates that enhanced geothermal energy could power more than 65 million homes in the United States.
The Fervo Cape Project
The proposed project would include approximately 23 wells for initial observation and injection, followed by up to 20 power plants. According to the proposal, the project would span 631 acres, with 148 acres of that land being in BLM-managed areas.
Now that the proposal has been made public, the BLM wants to seek public input before proceeding.
“Public engagement is a cornerstone of our process,” said Gloria Tibbetts, Color Country District Manager. “We urge you to provide us with detailed feedback so we can comprehensively address any potential impacts.”
How to give feedback
Project details are available on the BLM website, along with a fillable feedback form. Comments can also be sent to:
Attention: Fervo Cape Geothermal Project
Office of Land Management
176 E. DL Sargent Drive
Cedar City, UT 84721
The BLM is accepting public comments until September 20.
There are currently 48 geothermal power plants operating on BLM-managed lands. The organization hopes to use these and other projects to improve America’s low-carbon energy infrastructure.
