USA, Washington: Exploratory Drilling for Possible Geothermal Resources to Begin This Summer

Are Washington's volcanoes the next big energy source? (KUOW)

Washington's volcanoes could one day join solar and wind as producers of renewable energy. The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to tap into the idea this summer.

(Audio 1:29 Minutes)

Geologists think there could be pockets of geothermal resources throughout Washington state, but there's no clear data showing where. The state’s Department of Natural Resources wants to check for hot spots under the state's major volcanoes.

DNR spokesperson Joe Smillie said this will be the first time the state has searched far below the volcanoes. They're getting ready to take action after the legislature passed a bill last year allowing deeper drilling for geothermal resources.

"We'll be drilling some test wells this summer by Baker Lake, which is near Mount Baker, and about 15 miles northwest of Mount St. Helens," Smilie said.

If their search is successful, utilities could eventually apply to build geothermal power plants in the area.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - USA, Washington: Four to Five, 1,600-Foot-Deep Wells to be Drilled in Exploring for Potential Geothermal Power Plants