RFP – Geothermal exploration and eventual production in Colorado
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The Colorado State Land Board has issued an RFP for qualified entities to explore and potentially develop geothermal resources in 11 parcels of land.
The Colorado State Land Board has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development teams who wish to pursue a geothermal exploration and eventual production lease on specified parcels being offered. The RFP covers 11 parcels totaling 6,597.16 acres located in the counties of La Plata, Saguache, Las Animas, Alamosa, and Rio Grande.
Proposals are being accepted only until 20 September 2026. Participation in this RFP can be done through the Efficient Markets website.
As stated in the RFP, the State Land Board is seeking applicants with demonstrated experience and financial capacity to take full responsibility for the planning, exploration, permitting, financing, and development of a geothermal projects. Applicants must submit a complete proposal addressing each of the requirements below:
- Project Summary
- Financial Bid
- Applicant’s Experience
- Applicant’s Access to Financing
- Project Timeline
- Development Footprint and Real Property Stewardship
- Community Engagement Plan
- Water Plan
- Facility Design and Surface Impact
- Pending or Threatened Litigation
- Ability to Conduct Business
- Approval of Form Lease
Colorado has implemented many measures in the past years to create an environment that enables and encourages geothermal development, including the awarding of grants and tax credit programs, passage of supportive legislation, and publication of a detailed geothermal resources report. Once considered viable only for direct-use applications, the state’s geothermal potential is now being reevaluated through new data and updated geothermal gradient mapping, which indicate significant promise for power generation.
Source: Ark Valley Voice and Efficient Markets
