BLM leases 96,605 acres for clean geothermal energy production in Nevada
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RENO, Nev. – As part of the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands by 2025, the BLM today announced it has leased 33 parcels covering 96,605.5 acres for $1,025,396 in a competitive geothermal lease sale. The sale offered 45 parcels totaling 134,866.93 acres across Churchill, Esmeralda, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, White Pine, and Washoe counties.
“Issuing geothermal leases is an important piece of the dynamic energy portfolio in Nevada,” said Justin Abernathy, BLM Nevada Deputy State Director of Energy and Minerals. “BLM carefully analyzed these parcels, and this successful lease sale is the initial phase to developing new, clean energy sources.”
The notice of competitive leases and proposed lease stipulations are available online at the BLM Nevada State Office website. Revenues raised from the sale will be shared with the State of Nevada and the counties containing the leased parcels: Esmeralda, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, White Pine, and Washoe counties
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that generates consistent baseload electricity, running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with minimal carbon emissions. It is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where BLM has authority to manage geothermal leasing on approximately 245 million acres of public lands, including 104 million acres of U.S. Forest Service lands. In addition to generating electricity, geothermal energy can also be used directly to heat buildings, operate greenhouses, and support aquaculture operations.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s clean energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, BLM leases sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of clean energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as adhering to Congress’s direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands by 2025.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.