An Analysis of High Opportunity Geothermal Leasing Areas on BLM and USFS Lands

Summary

This NREL report analyzes high-opportunity geothermal leasing areas on U.S. federal lands, specifically those administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), to support the U.S. goal of a clean electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Energy Act of 2020 targets over 25 GW of utility-scale renewable energy permitted on federal land by 2025. The analysis projects that up to 31 GW of hydrothermal and 109 GW of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) capacity could be economically deployable on BLM and USFS lands by 2050, with 'Best' opportunity areas identified for 8.5 GW (hydrothermal) and 12-28 GW (EGS). Projected drilling costs for 2030 range from $2.39 million at 2.5 km to $5.32 million at 6.5 km depth, supporting advanced geothermal deployment.

Key Facts

Source Document

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