The funded initiatives will enable awardees to plan and install geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks that deliver low-cost, energy-efficient heating and cooling to homes and buildings around the state. Awardees include local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses.
“By better using the heat beneath our feet to help us, we are leading the nation in innovative clean energy technologies that save Coloradans money, and protect our air quality. Investing in Geothermal heating technology increases energy reliability and serves as a low-cost energy source,” said Governor Polis.
CEO made a total of 16 awards through GEGP this funding round. Awards will support five single-structure geothermal initiatives, nine thermal energy network studies, and two thermal energy network installation initiatives. A total of 89.3% of this funding will go to initiatives that serve just transition, disproportionately impacted, or low-income communities.
“Geothermal heating technology plays a huge role in helping Colorado reduce emissions from homes and buildings while saving Coloradans money on heating and cooling costs,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor.
“It’s exciting to see so many innovative geothermal initiatives being made possible due to Colorado’s investment in this technology, and we look forward to seeing more geothermal adoption across the state as these projects set the example of what’s possible.”
The awarded initiatives represent a number of innovative applications for geothermal heating and cooling, ranging from smaller-scale single buildings to utility-scale thermal energy network projects. For example, Larimer County will install single-structure geothermal heat pumps at a new emergency services facility, which will cut carbon emissions by more than half over 25 years.
Meanwhile, following a siting study for two sites, Xcel Energy’s project will develop detailed design and community engagement strategies for utility scale thermal energy network projects in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood and in the southern part of Frisco.
For more information on these and previously awarded initiatives through the Geothermal Energy Grant Program, see the Colorado Energy Office Geothermal Incentive Award Tracker.
