Collaboration and innovation power geothermal energy project on public lands

On September 25, leaders from several industries and agencies including federal, state and local government came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Cape Modern Geothermal Exploration Project in Beaver County, Utah. Numerous dignitaries addressed the gathering, including: Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer, Beaver County Commissioner Tammy Pearson, Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis and Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

In her address, Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis stated, "This event truly highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s all of government approach to helping usher in a legacy of clean and sustainable energy that will live on far beyond our tenures. The Cape Station geothermal energy project is such an important milestone in our effort to make our goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 a reality.”

The BLM's support for renewable energy projects such as this one through the Cedar City Field Office and Color Country District is pivotal to advancing the broader mission of renewable energy goals. Since 1978, the BLM has been a staunch supporter of geothermal energy and oversees 48 geothermal power plants on public lands. The Cape Modern Project, which will employ advanced hydraulic stimulation and drilling techniques, is set to play a crucial role in helping to realize the Biden-Harris administration's vision for a carbon-free future.

Special acknowledgment was made of the BLM's Cedar City Field Office, Color Country District, and Utah State Office for their contributions to making the project possible. The Cedar City Field Office and Color Country District were praised not only for the speed and efficiency of the BLM's permitting process but also for their exceptional collaborative skills with permitted land users, Tribal Nations, local governments, and the State of Utah. Fervo Energy specifically commended the offices for efficiently and effectively streamlining the NEPA process while conducting a thorough analysis. Their commitment to administrative excellence, dedication, teamwork, and customer service ensured that the NEPA analysis was completed in a timely manner.

The Cape Modern Project aims to generate 50-150 megawatts of power per month and is expected to create around 6,602 temporary jobs and 161 full-time jobs, contributing over $437 million in earned wages. The economic reverberations of this endeavor are immense, with anticipated contributions amounting to nearly $1.1 billion throughout its construction and operational phases. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Cape Modern Project signifies not just the commencement of a significant renewable energy venture but also underscores the invaluable power of collaboration and innovation on public lands.