The framework for the future geothermal power purchase agreement, formalized during the inaugural “Presidio Vision 2035” student competition, will deliver substantially greater electricity capacity than current local demand– providing reliable infrastructure necessary to attract major industrial development to this strategic border location.
“This 110-megawatt commitment represents far more than meeting our current energy needs,” said John T. Kennedy, PMDD Executive Director. “We’re creating the foundation for transformative economic growth: the kind of reliable, clean power that can support data centers, refrigerated logistics, expanded manufacturing, and value-added processing facilities that take advantage of our unique position in the North American trade corridor.”
The agreement builds on last year’s resource assessment funded by PMDD and conducted by the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, which provided crucial technical validation for the region’s geothermal potential. This comprehensive approach positions Presidio to become the first active geothermal project of this scale and type.
Tim Tarver, CEO of Exceed Geo Energy, brings decades of experience in the energy industry. “Growing up in a town even smaller than Presidio, I understand both the challenges and the incredible potential that exists in communities like this,” Tarver said. He went on to explain that the project represents more than energy development, focusing instead on building real economic opportunity that allows people to thrive in their home communities.
Unlike intermittent energy sources, modern engineered geothermal systems deliver constant, reliable electricity generation. This stability is particularly significant for Presidio, which currently sits at the end of the line on the ERCOT grid and has experienced prolonged outages. The geothermal facility will not only provide energy security for the region but could potentially serve as a blackstart resource capable of helping restore power to the broader Texas grid during major outages.
Substantial local energy capacity opens doors for several high-value industrial sectors that could transform Presidio’s economy, including refrigerated storage facilities supporting a variety of products, data centers requiring ultra-reliable electricity, and expanded manufacturing operations leveraging cross-border trade agreements.
Agricultural processing facilities could add substantial value to products moving through the trade corridor, transforming raw materials into finished goods before they reach major markets.
Students Envision Community Future
The agreement signing took place during the “Presidio Vision 2035” student competition held Thursday, May 22, where local middle and high school students presented innovative urban development concepts at the Presidio High School Library. A team of seventh graders won the $1,000 first prize for their comprehensive model combining sustainable energy, water infrastructure, agricultural production, and enhanced tourism facilities.
The competition’s distinguished judging panel included Presidio High School Principal Darrell Ericson; Science Teacher Jessica Rodriguez; City Administrator Pablo Rodriguez; local entrepreneur Sergio Armendariz; Louisiana State University engineering professor Dr. Mayank Tyagi; and University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology Associate Director Dr. Ken Wisian, a retired Major General of the U.S. Air Force.
Ericson emphasized the importance of guiding students in the ethical application of emerging technologies, observing how the competition fostered meaningful discussions about responsible innovation. Event organizer Alexis Amancio, Presidio High School Career Advisor, thanked all the judges and participants while highlighting the value of connecting classroom learning with real-world applications through expert engagement and student trips.
Several student teams presented projects that highlighted needs for local medical facilities, improved shopping opportunities, and innovative clean energy integration throughout the community.
Dr. Tyagi’s expertise in thermal engineering and sustainable technology applications complemented Dr. Wisian’s background in geothermal energy systems and subsurface characterization, providing students with expert feedback from leaders in their fields.
Nasikul Islam, Drilling and Completions Manager with Exceed Geo Energy, who has previously presented at local schools, expressed enthusiasm for expanding math and science education opportunities for students in the region, recognizing the important role technical education will play in supporting future energy development projects.
Timeline and Impact
The power purchase agreement will establish comprehensive terms for energy delivery, with commercial operations expected to begin by late 2026. The initial phase will bring 9.9 megawatts online, followed by expansion to the full 110-megawatt capacity.
PMDD Board President Alonso Hernandez noted that the timing of the agreement framework during the student competition perfectly captured the community’s commitment to both honoring its future generations and building the infrastructure necessary for long-term prosperity.
The geothermal development represents strategic planning that recognizes Presidio’s unique advantages: a critical position in international trade flows, proximity to major metropolitan markets, and access to world-class geothermal resources. The 110-megawatt capacity provides the kind of industrial-scale power generation that can transform regional economics by supporting data centers, manufacturing plants, and agricultural processing facilities simultaneously.
About the Partnership
The Presidio Municipal Development District is a special district established under Chapter 377 of the Texas Local Government Code to promote economic development and infrastructure improvements in Presidio County. Exceed Geo Energy LLC is a Texas-based company specializing in geothermal energy resource development, focusing on clean, reliable energy solutions.
The “Presidio Vision” competition is expected to become an annual event, with winning concepts potentially influencing actual development plans as the community implements its long-term growth strategy.
