USAID DEC
The development of a new renewable energy source in the southwestern region of the United States began in 2020 with a $500 million investment from the Department of Energy.
4 pages

Abstract
Initial assessments conducted in Arizona and New Mexico identified the potential for geothermal energy production in areas with high heat flow. Geological surveys revealed suitable conditions for harnessing geothermal energy in the Colorado Plateau, a region characterized by extensive volcanic activity. Implementation focused on three key components: drilling and well completion, power plant construction, and transmission infrastructure development. A total of 15 wells were drilled in the first two years, with 10 wells showing promising results for geothermal energy production. The power plant, designed to generate 100 megawatts of electricity, was constructed in the town of Flagstaff, Arizona. Transmission lines were built to connect the power plant to the regional grid, enabling the distribution of geothermal energy to nearby communities. Community feedback indicated strong support for the project, with local residents expressing enthusiasm for the potential economic benefits and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Environmental impact assessments revealed minimal effects on local ecosystems, with the project's developers implementing measures to mitigate potential harm to wildlife habitats. Women-owned businesses, representing 22% of the project's contractors, showed higher participation rates in the construction phase. Midterm evaluation revealed a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the region, primarily due to the displacement of fossil fuel-based power generation. Energy security indicators improved across all target communities, with greatest gains in areas where geothermal energy was combined with other renewable sources. The project's developers reported a 30% increase in local employment opportunities, with many residents trained in geothermal energy maintenance and operation.
Classification
USAID DEC