The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has initiated emergency permitting procedures to expedite the review process for geothermal energy projects, focusing on enhancing national security and energy independence. According to the department, the move aligns with the national energy emergency declared by President Donald J. Trump after he assumed office.
These measures aim to streamline environmental reviews, thereby accelerating the development of geothermal projects while ensuring environmental protection.
Key geothermal projects in Nevada, led by Ormat Nevada, will benefit from these new procedures.
The Diamond Flat Geothermal Project near Fallon, Nevada, involves drilling test wells and conducting geothermal resource confirmation on federally leased land to assess commercial viability.
The McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimization Project in Lander County, Nevada, plans to upgrade and expand three existing geothermal power plants by adding new wells and other equipment, including a 15MW solar photovoltaic field, to enhance efficiency and increase output beyond the current 193MW. The Pinto Geothermal Project will evaluate geothermal potential through test drilling and exploration on public lands.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “Geothermal energy is a reliable energy source that can power critical infrastructure for national security and help advance energy independence.
“By cutting red tape and advancing President Trump’s American Energy Dominance agenda, we’re fast-tracking reliable energy projects while strengthening national security and supporting American workers.”
The DOI is utilising emergency authorities under existing regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act to facilitate these efforts.
Recently, the US Geological Survey (USGS) released a new assessment indicating that geothermal energy from the Great Basin, which includes Nevada and neighbouring states, could potentially supply 10% of the nation’s electricity demand.
This marks a significant increase from the current geothermal contribution of less than 1% to the national power supply, with the potential for 135GW of baseload power identified.
