Drill Baby Drill…Geothermal Boreholes
We’re dedicating this newsletter to our favorite subterranean clean energy source: geothermal power!
At Clean & Prosperous, we’ve long-supported geothermal as a cost-effective solution to the clean energy transition. Geothermal systems have the potential to scale rapidly, have heating and cooling applications, and can provide baseload and flexible carbon-free power. They are the only “dispatchable” renewable energy source, meaning not intermittent like solar or wind power. That means geothermal can fill a more widespread set of energy needs. This is why David Roberts has referred to geothermal as “an engineering problem that, when solved, solves energy.”
Most importantly: Geothermal can capitalize on existing oil and gas technology and infrastructure (without the pollution), the existing oil and gas workforce, and it has vast potential to deploy in Washington state, given our unique geography.
The ability to seamlessly transition existing oil and gas workers to geothermal systems makes this a particularly attractive energy source. A 2024 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report found that up to 300,000 oil and gas workers across the country already have the drilling skills needed for enhanced geothermal. Tapping into an existing skilled workforce means this source of clean energy could scale faster. And scaling faster means more quickly becoming a cost-effective power source for utilities and other power purchasers.
While it taps into traditional infrastructure, there is a ton of innovation happening in the geothermal industry. A notable example: Fervo Energy, based in Houston, has recently hit a major milestone with its advanced geothermal technology. The company harnesses existing fracking technology widely used by the natural gas industry, and instead deploys it for 24/7, carbon-free power. This means two things:
- With this technology, entities have significantly more freedom in where they can site a geothermal system. They no longer have to rely on finding naturally-existing near-surface resource potential.
- This kind of fracking technology would be deployed for a carbon-free, zero-emission energy source, meaning it does not come with the same kinds of hazards and impacts historically associated with fracking.
Geothermal energy is proving to be the primary source of power that both parties in Congress can agree on. Right now, Congress is considering a bipartisan bill – the Hot Rock Act – that would offer substantial support for geothermal through grant programs, a new DOE testing facility, and expedited permitting and siting.
While the bill has only recently been introduced and is a long way from passing, we’re encouraged to see Congress pursue action on a cost-effective, abundant, carbon-free power source. You can learn more about the legislation here.
Here’s some recommended reading if you want to hop on the geothermal bandwagon:
- Heatmap: “What Is Geothermal Power and How Does It Work?”
- Energy Information Administration: “Enhanced geothermal systems could expand geothermal power generation”
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources: “The Washington Geothermal Experience”
- Center for Public Enterprise: “The Firm Frontier: Geothermal and the Expansion of the Western Grid”
- Cascadia Daily News: “Mount Baker geothermal plant could power all of Whatcom County”
- Volts Geothermal Library
Are You Eligible for WAZIP?
WAZIP is for more than just trucks—it’s for vehicles AND equipment.
The Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP) is a statewide voucher program designed to help Washington purchasers make the switch to zero-emission commercial vehicles…and equipment!
Eligible equipment categories include agriculture, construction, ports, rail, and more – making it easier for businesses to find solutions that fit their operations.
When WAZIP launches later in April, purchasers will be able to access point-of-sale vouchers at pre-approved dealerships and access expert support to make the transition to zero-emission equipment easier and more affordable.
We’re excited to support this program and the expanded opportunities it creates for businesses across Washington!
Learn more at wazip.org.
Register Today for Study Mission 6.0: Building Bigger & Faster in Texas
From May 11-15, 2026, Clean & Prosperous will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and clean energy advocates in Austin and Houston to explore how the nation’s clean energy growth leader is getting projects built.
Texas is rapidly scaling solar, wind, and battery storage, and attracting major investment in emerging decarbonization technologies. Meanwhile, as highlighted in our Build Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure Together report, Washington ranks dead last in the country for clean energy growth.
You can find the agenda here – more is still to come!
Here are the details:
- When: Monday, May 11 – Friday, May 15, 2026
- Where: Austin and Houston, Texas
- Tickets: $3,950 per ticket.
Tickets include lodging, meals, and activities in Texas. Delegation members will be responsible for their own travel into and out of Texas. You can get your tickets and find recommended flight information here. Spaces in the delegation are limited and filling up quickly – we encourage you to register today!
Thank you to our sponsors for making Study Mission 6.0: Building Bigger & Faster in Texas possible!
Follow Clean & Prosperous
Follow Clean & Prosperous on social media to learn about our work to accelerate clean energy and power prosperity for communities across Washington. You can find us on these channels:
- LinkedIn: @clean-and-prosperous
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