ECMC staff delivered a semiannual update on geothermal work on Nov. 19, reporting one active deep geothermal permit — Oxy’s Glade Ultra Deep Pilot Project in Weld County — and a program of outreach and permitting preparations.

John Morgan told the commission both wells for the Oxy pilot reached total depth last summer and testing of the geothermal resource is planned; confidential business information filings mean some details will be publicly available later this winter. Morgan described ongoing collaboration through the Colorado Geothermal Council (Energy Office, NREL and stakeholders), community engagement events in Montrose and Telluride, and staff presentations to groundwater protection and UIC audiences.

ECMC staff said program work includes aligning internal business processes, completing guidance and online materials, minor form updates and expected increases in permit reviews as the Energy Office enters a fourth grant round to incentivize deep geothermal activity. Morgan said enhanced geothermal systems projects and recent federal lease sales demonstrate growing interest in deep geothermal nationally and noted the state land board is evaluating geothermal leasing strategies.

What’s next: ECMC expects additional geothermal permit submittals in the next six months and staff will continue to develop guidance, community education materials and internal operating procedures to speed review and oversight.

(Reporting note: summary based on John Morgan’s Nov. 19 presentation to ECMC.)