Chelan, Douglas and Grant PUDs are considering a partnership to explore the potential for geothermal energy in North Central Washington.
"The proposal reflects a shared goal to meet regional energy needs through innovation, and deliver resilient, affordable energy for generations to come," an April 20 news release from the PUDs said.
The proposed collaboration comes as a new study released this month shows that Washington and Oregon are at risk of a 5-gigawatt energy shortfall by 2030. In the greater Northwest, including Idaho and Montana, a 9-gigawatt energy shortfall is predicted.
In the coming weeks, commissioners from each PUD will review a proposal to study the geology and underground heat in Central Washington, including geophysical surveys and below-ground research.
The agreement proposes that each PUD would pay an equal share of the estimated $22 million total. By working together, the PUDs gain access to high quality geophysical and subsurface data that would be far more expensive to obtain independently.
If approved, the PUDs would apply for permits from the state Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Ecology with a request to start data collection this summer.
As demand for electricity continues to outpace supply, utilities cannot add new energy generation and storage fast enough. Many of the planned additions are wind and solar energy, which are weather-dependent.
Geothermal energy is produced when hot water from the earth is brought to the surface, converted to steam, and run through a steam turbine. Geothermal is a baseload energy source, which means it’s reliable, even on the coldest days.
“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. “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.”
