�鶹��Ѱ�����

�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder and the Colorado Energy Office on Monday, March 30, released two state-funded feasibility studies evaluating whether geothermal energy could help reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.

The studies evaluated both shallow geothermal systems, which are well known and commonly used for campus heating, and cutting-edge deep geothermal systems that could provide heat or electricity. Findings show geothermal systems of both types are technically feasible on campus and could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though implementation would require major infrastructure changes and long-term investment.��

The work provides �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder with valuable technical data and planning insight as the university advances its Climate Action Plan and broader decarbonization strategy, which includes cutting campus carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050.

“Evaluating frontier technologies like deep geothermal is an important step as we work toward our Climate Action Plan goals and explore pathways to reduce emissions across campus,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability.��

“Our campus also serves as a living laboratory where research and campus operations come together to test and evaluate innovative energy solutions that can inform sustainability efforts well beyond �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder. Moreover, this state-supported study is a great example of the continued leadership of the state of Colorado and highlights the importance of partnership."��

Deep geothermal systems can extend more than 20,000 feet underground, far deeper than shallow systems that typically operate less than 1,000 feet deep. While less widely deployed, deep geothermal systems could offer an opportunity to test emerging clean-energy technologies at scale.

No construction or implementation decisions are being made at this time. Instead, the studies are intended to serve as planning resources to inform future energy and infrastructure decisions as campus strategies, funding opportunities, partnerships and governance approvals continue to evolve.

That broader work is already underway. Last summer, �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder selected an engineering partner to begin designing a campuswide decarbonization plan focused on transitioning heating systems away from steam and toward low-temperature hot-water systems powered by carbon-free energy sources.��

“Colorado continues to lead the way in harnessing the heat beneath our feet to create a cleaner, more affordable energy future,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “By investing in these feasibility studies at �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder, we are not just helping generate data and technical insight—we are empowering our institutions to serve as blueprints for decarbonization. These projects are a vital step toward reducing emissions, improving our air quality, and proving that clean energy solutions can protect our state for future generations.”

The studies were funded by the Colorado Energy Office Community District Heating/Thermal Energy Network (Agreement GAE 25-2370) and Geothermal Electricity Generation (Agreement GAE 25-2398) grants awarded to �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder in November 2024. The grants supported 59% of the study costs.