Idaho Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a form of sustainable energy originating from the earth’s crust. Conventional geothermal energy is where sufficient ambient temperature, the presence of water, and permeability (a way for fluid to move around rocks) allows for recovery of hot water that is then converted to steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity. Unconventional geothermal energy is where either water or permeability are not present, and so water is used or permeability is created artificially.

Since the water can be returned and reheated below the surface, this form of energy generation is sustainable, as well as operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Some geothermal plants are still running after 50+ years. Geothermal heat has been used as a direct energy source in Idaho by indigenous people for a long time, and more recently starting in the 1850s by trappers, with interest growing and waning through to the present day. The direct use of geothermal heat by means of near-surface hot water is used worldwide. In fact, Idaho has the only state capitol building heated by geothermal water.

The BLM offers geothermal leasing sales on EnergyNet for qualified bidders to lease geothermal resources; lease nominations can be found on the National Fluids Lease Sale System (NFLSS). For any additional questions about geothermal leasing, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office.