Oregon/Washington Geothermal Energy
The BLM manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development. Geothermal energy is considered one of the most efficient and sustainable types of renewable energy with minimal carbon emissions. Only 11 western states have potential for geothermal energy, and we have this unique possibility due to volcanic activity here in Oregon and Washington.
Oregon and Washington both have currently active geothermal energy leases. Oregon has one unit called the Davenport Newberry Unit, located on the western flank of Newberry Caldera within the Deschutes National Forest.
The leased parcels undergo a detailed environmental analysis that includes three opportunities for involvement: scoping, public comment, and protest periods. After parcels are leased, lessees must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin.
For information about upcoming Competitive Lease Sales please visit the Bureau of Land Management's National Fluids Lease Sale System (NFLSS) page.
For more information about Bureau of Land Management's geothermal energy program visit BLM's Geothermal Energy page.
- July 10, 2025 Lease Sale
The OR/WA State Office is offering 2 parcels containing 5,235.330 acres within the Vale District (Malheur Field Office) for internet-based competitive geothermal leasing on July 10, 2025. The links will take you to the pertinent information:
- Competitive Sale Results
- Notice of Competitive Geothermal Lease Sale
- Competitive Sale Summary
- Registered Bidders
Visit the NEPA project home page where you can navigate to the environmental documents, parcel lists, and maps for the 2025 Geothermal Lease Sale
- Past Lease Sales
Sale date: September 15, 2022
Sale date: June 30, 2020