Salt Wells Geothermal Power Plant

Nevada Geothermal Energy

Nevada BLM has twenty-eight operating and authorized geothermal power plants with federal interest, for a total authorized generating capability of over 950 MW.

In addition, nearly 400 MW of additional geothermal projects in the permitting, exploration, and development phases are expected to greatly increase that capacity in the near future.

Geothermal leases are for an initial 10-year period with the possibility of extensions for diligent exploration and development, or for ongoing production.  All revenues collected (auction bids, rentals, and royalties) under the geothermal program are shared with the State and County where pleases/projects are located, with 50 percent of the funds disbursed to the state, 25 percent to the respective county, and 25 percent remaining in the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The BLM manages public lands for multiple uses, including sustainable energy development. The leased parcels undergo a detailed environmental analysis that includes three opportunities for involvement: scoping, public comment, and protest periods. In addition, each lease, if issued, contains standard stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources and ensures that development is safe and environmentally responsible. After parcels are leased, operators must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin.

BLM Nevada partners with State Agencies such as the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Local governments, Tribal governments, and private industry to develop other geothermal resources.

View current and recent geothermal lease sale notices and results below.

Upcoming Lease Sale

Lease Sale: October 21, 2025

BLM STATEWIDE

Past Lease Sales

Lease Sale: October 8, 2024

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: November 14, 2023

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: August 30, 2022

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: October 5, 2021

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: October 20, 2020

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: September 17, 2019

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: October 23, 2018

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: October 24, 2017

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: October 26, 2016

BLM STATEWIDE

Lease Sale: September 10, 2014

BLM STATEWIDE

Point of Contact

Nevada Information Access Center

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 775-861-6400