Wyoming has extensive geothermal activity but limited opportunities for commercial geothermal development. However, with new technologies that are seeing rapid advancements, this soon may change. Prospects for small-scale energy production and heat pump implementation are emerging.
Geothermal energy stems from the earth’s core through heat, primarily from magma and the continual decay of naturally radioactive materials such as uranium and potassium. This renewable energy can be harnessed for various uses, including heating buildings and generating electricity.
In Wyoming, most geothermal energy is used primarily by the tourism industry. Geothermal features around the state, including Yellowstone National Park and Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, draw tourists from all over the country and the world.
In Wyoming, the flow of geothermal heat ranges between 30 to 80 megawatts/m². The state’s thermal springs release 3.5 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat annually as they cool to ambient temperatures. This statistic demonstrates Wyoming’s geothermal potential and opens avenues for sustainable energy harnessing in the state.
Wyoming has limited opportunities for commercial geothermal development but has prospects for small-scale energy production and heat pump implementation.
In 2022, the Wyoming Energy Authority commissioned a study by TerraVera (formerly Petrolern) to analyze Geothermal Resources and Applicable Technology for Wyoming.
There is a great deal of work being done to improve the performance and economics of Geothermal Heat Pumps. Three such technologies are spotlighted in the 2022 Geothermal Feasibility Study, all have commercial-scale demonstrations but are not yet widely deployed.
One of the most efficient ways to utilize this geothermal energy is through Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP). GHP systems utilize the shallow subsurface to transfer heat to and from buildings, acting as a heat source during winter and a heat sink during summer. This technology, which is commercially mature and applicable across Wyoming, offers significant savings. For instance, while annual household heating costs using natural gas are approximately $912, a GHP system could decrease this expense by nearly 50%.
Another promising technology is the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), a binary power system that employs geothermal fluid to heat an organic working fluid. This process generates vapor to spin a turbine, creating electricity. The ORC, recognized for its efficient established presence in the energy sector, represents yet another avenue through which Wyoming can exploit its geothermal resources.
