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Geothermal developer reports strong circulation test and outreach activities
Summary
A geothermal developer described progress at a Beaver County test site, reporting a circulation test that returned about 90% of injected water and outlined plans to drill a third deep production (DP) well in summer 2026; outreach efforts included a county fair booth, a statewide poster contest and educational programming.
A representative identified as Christopher, a marketing and outreach specialist for the project, told commissioners the site team plans to begin build out of surface infrastructure in mid‑November and will drill a third deep production well in summer 2026.
Christopher said a prior 30‑day circulation test returned roughly 90% of the injected water and that the test results — including how well water temperatures hold and how much heat can be sustained — will determine how the site is developed. The project team emphasized the test is under close industry scrutiny because it informs commercial viability.
Christopher described planned site equipment (pumps, surface piping, a cooling tower) and reiterated the project will use non‑potable water; he said a portion of the operational focus will be to determine how much injected fluid returns over longer periods and whether steam capture or other generation methods are feasible in the future, which would require additional approvals outside the current project scope.
On outreach, Christopher said the project staffed a booth at the county fair that drew more than 500 visitors and is launching a statewide poster contest and science lesson plan competition for teachers; the contests include monetary prizes to support classroom projects. Christopher also said the project produced two informational videos in which local officials participated.
Ending: The developer asked the commission to remain engaged as the test and subsequent drilling progress; staff said they will notify commissioners as key milestones and permits approach.
