Geothermal

Aspen is a pioneer in renewable energy exploration and has a strong commitment to make its municipal utility, Aspen Electric, 100% renewable by 2015. Preliminary studies show the potential for using geothermal resources for clean, affordable energy is promising in Aspen. The City is conducting a test project that may enable Aspen to tap into a unique abundant source of clean, affordable energy in the future, as well as provide an example for other communities with similar geothermal potential. Based on a preliminary feasibility study, researchers believe temperatures in the 90-100-degree range are likely at this location, which would make it possible for the City to utilize the geothermal energy for heating and cooling. This test well project will determine if these assumptions are correct.


 

Current Geothermal Project Status

Drilling for the geothermal test well project began on Wednesday, November 9th. The City of Aspen is using this test well to conduct underground testing to see if there is potential to utilize geothermal energy. The test well is in the gravel parking lot next to Prockter Open Space. We would like to emphasize this is just a test site and will help determine if the potential of using geothermal resources for heating or electricity exists in this area.

 

Update: Work on the geothermal test well project was suspended for the winter holiday season and will resume in the spring of 2012. The project reached 1,000 feet and though hot water has not yet been reached, our experts believe it is likely within 500 feet or less. The drillers ran into challenges installing the 1,000 feet of steel casing designed to keep the test well open, which led to delays. Despite these obstacles, the project ran relatively smoothly, staying below noise limits, maintaining a safe worksite and successfully protecting the local watershed. 


The City greatly appreciates the patience and support of the neighbors and community during this project. There will be opportunities for public input as plans are made to move forward and updates will be available on this website. If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact Sam Irmen at (970) 429-1974 or sam.irmen@ci.aspen.co.us.

 

 

Aspen Geothermal in the News

 

    Aspen Times 7/15/11

    Aspen Daily 7/14/11

    Aspen Daily 7/15/11

    Aspen Daily 9/16/11

    Aspen Daily 10/15/11

    Aspen Daily 10/21/11

    Aspen Daily 10/26/11

    Aspen Public Radio 11/3/11

    Aspen Daily 12/2/11

    Aspen Public Radio 12/7/11

    Aspen Daily 12/14/11

    Aspen Daily 2/20/12

 

 

Contact

 

Questions? Contact Sam Irmen at (970) 429-1974 or sam.irmen@ci.aspen.co.us.