NCW PUDs exploring geothermal energy

Geothermal energy could soon be developed in North Central Washington.

The Chelan, Douglas and Grant County PUDs are considering a partnership to explore geothermal energy after a recent study from consulting firm Energy + Environmental Economics predicted an energy shortage by 2030, according to a joint news release from the PUDs.

The shortage is projected to reach about 5 gigawatts in Washington and Oregon, and about 9 gigawatts across the broader Northwest, including Idaho and Montana.

Geothermal energy is produced when hot water from the earth reaches the surface, and the steam is run through a turbine.

If approved, the $22 million project would include geophysical surveys and subsurface research, with the goal of determining whether geothermal power could work in the area.

"We're all trying to find new ways of generating and storing energy to meet a regional challenge," said Chelan PUD General Manager Kirk Hudson in a news release. "The benefit of collaboration is to share the risks, the costs, and use our collective knowledge and experience to explore this opportunity together. As public utilities, we're in a unique position to work together and gain a shared understanding of the potential for geothermal energy."

If the proposal is approved by each board of commissioners, the next steps include applying for permits from the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Ecology, with a request to begin data collection in the summer.

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