BLM approves Crescent Valley geothermal project

Project could add up to 30 MW to the grid and power over 33,000 homes

ELKO  – The Bureau of Land Management approved the 30-megawatt Crescent Valley geothermal energy production facility and associated transmission line. According to a July 16 BLM press release, the project includes construction and operation of one power plant, a photovoltaic solar field, 17 additional geothermal fluid production and injection wells and well pads, new and improved access roads, an aggregate pit, geothermal fluid pipelines, an electrical gen-tie line, substation, switching station and ancillary support facilities.

Geothermal projects support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economy and security, the BLM stated. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” the geothermal projects on public lands help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens, will solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future and achieve American energy dominance, the bureau stated.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one megawatt produced by a geothermal project can power about 1,104 average American homes’ electricity use per year.

Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate.

Additional information and planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

For more information, contact BLM geologist Peter Druschke at BLM_NV_ELDO_TFO_Projects@blm.gov or (775) 753-0343.