Three PUDs explore geothermal energy as regional demand grows

WENATCHEE — Chelan County Public Utility District commissioners received an early look April 20 at a proposal to explore geothermal energy in North Central Washington, part of a potential partnership with Douglas and Grant PUDs aimed at meeting growing regional energy demand.

The proposal, presented as an informational item, would establish a joint effort to study underground heat resources across the region, with the three utilities sharing the estimated $22 million cost of early-stage exploration.

PUD staff said the collaboration would allow the districts to reduce financial risk while gathering geological and subsurface data that would be difficult and costly to obtain individually.

During the presentation, Managing Director of Generation and Transmission Brett Bickford said geothermal stood out among energy technologies the district has studied.

“Geothermal was one of those that has kind of the highest capacity factor,” Bickford said.

He told commissioners the resource “can typically produce its nameplate capacity almost 24-7,” making it significantly more consistent than wind or solar generation.

Nameplate capacity refers to the maximum amount of electricity a generator is designed to produce under ideal conditions — a figure typically stamped on a metal plate attached to the equipment itself. At Rocky Reach Dam, for example, each generator has its own rating, with units capable of producing more than 100 megawatts at full output.

Because geothermal systems can operate near that maximum output continuously, Bickford said, they offer a level of reliability that complements existing hydropower and newer renewable resources.

The proposal comes as utilities across the Pacific Northwest face increasing pressure to add new energy sources. A recent regional analysis identified significant potential shortfalls in electricity supply over the next decade as demand continues to grow.

Bickford said the PUD has studied wind and solar resources extensively in past years but has not evaluated geothermal potential in the same depth.

“We haven’t done that with geothermal,” he said.

The proposed exploration phase would include geophysical surveys, geochemical analysis and subsurface investigations to determine whether viable geothermal resources exist in Central Washington.

If approved, the three PUDs would work together under an interlocal agreement, sharing both the cost and the risk of early-stage exploration.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to be able to work together to solve our energy problems,” Bickford said. “We can share the risk in exploring the new emerging technology.”

Chelan PUD General Manager Kirk Hudson, who introduced the presentation from PUD staff, said in a statement after the meeting, “We’re all trying to find new ways of generating and storing energy to meet a regional challenge.”

No board action was taken April 20. Commissioners from each district are expected to consider the proposal further in the coming weeks, with permitting and initial data collection potentially beginning later this year.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media