Geothermal
The passage of Senate Bill 23-285 gave ECMC statutory authority to regulate the exploration for and use of allocated geothermal resources in the State of Colorado. This leverages ECMC's well developed history of protective regulation of wellbore construction, surface impacts, groundwater protection, and the protection of subsurface correlative property rights. Our 1300-Series Deep Geothermal Rules are comprehensive, and encompass siting, drilling, operations, safety, unitization, subsurface injection, financial assurance, and more.
Colorado has enacted several laws in support of the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy that offers more reliable energy services and predictable, affordable costs while improving local air quality and offering new economic growth opportunities. Geothermal energy provides many opportunities to advance these goals, often for energy uses that are traditionally difficult to decarbonize. For these reasons, the state has prioritized innovation in geothermal energy and has invested in both incentives and an improved regulatory structure to encourage and facilitate increased deployment throughout the state.
The Division of Water Resources regulates shallow geothermal.
The Colorado Energy Office offers competitive grants to geothermal operators. Obtaining a grant does not allow an operator to proceed with development. An operator who obtains a grant from CEO must comply with ECMC rules and regulations.
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy provides an alternative, clean, and renewable energy source that decreases our reliance on fossil fuels. Deep geothermal energy taps into Earth's heat at great depths for power generation or heating, while shallow geothermal energy uses the relatively constant temperature of the shallow subsurface for heating, cooling, and direct use applications. Deep geothermal resource development is an emerging industry in Colorado that can utilize hot water in deep subsurface formations to produce electricity or for direct heating uses. Colorado has several areas with higher than normal temperatures in the subsurface. These resources are mostly undeveloped and have vast future potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide renewable energy solutions.
Why geothermal energy in Colorado?
Geothermal energy can play a key role in Colorado's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, including achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Geothermal energy can provide clean, firm electricity at consistent prices and is the most efficient means of heating and cooling for buildings. A lower life cycle cost can help reduce energy burden for families and businesses, while both deep and shallow geothermal projects utilize similar workforce skills as the natural gas and oil industry.
2024 Reports
- Regulation of Geothermal Resources in Colorado: A Legislative Proposal:
- Deep Geothermal Rulemaking Fact Sheet
- 2024 Iceland Geothermal Conference Summary
- Geothermal in Colorado: Resources, Use Strategies, and Impact Considerations
- Data Files:
- Known Colorado Thermal Springs and Wells (See Appendix B for more information)
- Geochemistry of Colorado Thermal Springs and Wells (See Appendix C for more information)
- Colorado Oil and Gas Well Bottomhole Temperature Data (See Appendix D of the report for more information)
- This data is also available from the CGS website
2023 Reports
For questions regarding regulations or permitting for deep geothermal or science wells, contact: Energy and Carbon Management Commission, John Morgan, Geothermal and UGS Lead Scientist (john.morgan@state.co.us). You could also contact your local elected officials for information about local government permitting.
For questions regarding regulations or permitting for shallow geothermal or water use, contact Division of Water Resources, Kevin Donegan, Chief, Hydrogeology Section (kevin.donegan@state.co.us). You could also contact your local elected officials for information about local government permitting.
For questions regarding geothermal state-awarded grants, contact the Colorado Energy Office, Bryce Carter, Geothermal Program Manager (ceo_geothermal@state.co.us).
For general policy questions, contact your local state or local elected officials.