BLM approves drilling in Utah as part of study on blind geothermal systems

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issue the categorical exclusion documents that authorize the drilling up to 10 temperature-gradient holes in the Lund North area of northern Escalante Valley in Iron County, Utah. This activity is part of the Department of Energy’s INGENIOUS project which aims to accelerate the discovery of hidden geothermal systems.

The boreholes will be drilled to about 800 feet (243 meters) to obtain steady-state temperature profiles to help characterize a potential blind geothermal resource. Drilling will occur on a combination of BLM-administered and private lands within a larger group of twenty pre-permitted locations, of which only 8 10 will be selected and drilled. Each drill site will involve the construction of a 0.18-acre well pad.

The project was proposed by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology as part of the multi-agency research project, INnovative Geothermal Exploration through Novel Investigations Of Undiscovered Systems (INGENIOUS). The initiative seeks to support the discovery and development of blind or hidden geothermal systems across Nevada and other western states. “Hidden systems” in this context refers to geothermal systems that exhibit no surface manifestations, like hot springs.

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By using tools like thermal-gradient holes and slimholes combined with play fairway maps and conceptual models, the project aims to expand the developers’ playbook for early-stage prospect identification. This will effectively also reduce exploration and development risks for all geothermal resources.

Source: BLM