The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) has unveiled the NASEO Geothermal Power Accelerator, a new multi-state initiative aimed at fast-tracking geothermal power development across the United States through close collaboration with the private sector
Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office alongside NASEO, the Accelerator brings together State Energy Offices from 13 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia. Participating states will work collectively to set statewide geothermal power targets and advance policies that lower development costs, overcome regulatory hurdles and accelerate the delivery of reliable, firm and flexible geothermal power to the grid.
“Idaho has long been dedicated to developing our state’s rich geothermal resources, recognizing their value for reliable, homegrown energy. Our continued focus on geothermal power strengthens communities, supports economic growth, and keeps our grid resilient. Our engagement with the Geothermal Power Accelerator helps further that momentum,” Governor Brad Little said.
“Colorado is proud to be leading the way in advancing geothermal energy, utilizing the heat beneath our feet to power our communities. Clean energy is the future, and by streamlining processes and breaking through the bureaucracy we are delivering more cost saving energy to Coloradans and saving people money on energy bills,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Through the Accelerator, participating states will engage with federal agencies and geothermal developers to identify practical pathways to unlock investment and scale deployment. The programme will begin with a series of strategy sessions and “state of the industry and policy” discussions involving federal leaders and private sector experts, helping shape concrete state-level actions planned for 2026. Cross-government coordination, strategic partnerships and ongoing information sharing will be central to fostering market growth across multiple regions.
“Arizona is committed to delivering more affordable and reliable energy and economic opportunity, which includes leveraging our state’s geothermal resources,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona is at a critical moment in our energy story. Our participation in the Geothermal Power Accelerator will foster cross-state collaboration, bolstering our ability to scale geothermal energy across Arizona.”
“As we confront the climate crisis and growing demand on our grid, geothermal offers firm, clean power available around the clock,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “In California's Lithium Valley, geothermal has the opportunity to deliver clean energy and extract lithium from one of the largest deposits in the world—fast-tracking the world's clean energy future. California is proud to co-lead this multistate effort to strengthen America's energy independence.”
“Utah is excited to be part of this effort,” said Emy Lesofski, Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. “Interstate collaboration through the Geothermal Power Accelerator will break down silos, foster best practices and ensure states have the infrastructure necessary to support geothermal development. Utah is bringing creative solutions to the deployment and commercialization of geothermal power. We’re home to FORGE and Fervo, a public-private partnership that is leading the nation in research and commercial development; we’re ready to work with our partners in developing strong pathways for deployment and commercialization.”
“Nevada is proud to be one of 13 states in NASEO’s Geothermal Power Accelerator. Our state sits at the center of America’s geothermal opportunity, and this collaboration will help turn that potential into reliable, sustainable, clean power for Nevadans and the broader Western grid,” said Dwayne McClinton, Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy Director.
“The Oregon energy strategy identifies geothermal as one of the most promising resources for Oregon’s clean energy future and we’re pleased to be participating in this accelerator with NASEO,” said Janine Benner, Oregon Department of Energy Director.
“New Mexico has immense potential across traditional, EGS, AGS, and Ultra hot geothermal development,” commented Energy Conservation and Management Director Rebecca “Puck” Stair. “We are excited to pioneer work in the space and work hand in hand with private and federal partners to make Geothermal energy a staple of our energy portfolio.”
“Montana has a long history of responsibly developing energy resources while protecting our environment. Participating in NASEO’s Geothermal Power Accelerator furthers our mission at Montana DEQ, to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana, and advances Governor Gianforte’s all-of-the-above energy strategy for Montana. We look forward to this collaboration and expect the work will help diversify Montana’s energy portfolio and encourage investment in affordable, reliable energy for Montana families and businesses,” said Sonja Nowakowski, Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director.
“As a national leader in energy production, Pennsylvania is always looking for innovative solutions to meet future electricity demands, lower utility costs for consumers, increase clean energy jobs, and produce a more resilient grid,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Geothermal systems, while complementing wind and solar power, can become the next vital resource to further diversify our energy resources and meet our energy needs.”
“Colorado is a national leader in its efforts to deploy geothermal energy for both electricity generation and space heating and cooling. This partnership with other states will help advance key technologies that we are already exploring here in Colorado to decarbonize our buildings and power grid. We look forward to being part of this collaborative work to make geothermal a feasible and affordable solution across the country,” said Will Toor, Colorado Energy Office Director.
Alongside the launch of the Accelerator, NASEO has published Geothermal Power: Overview and Considerations for State Policy, Planning, and Market Advancement, a new report designed to assist state decision-makers in evaluating geothermal opportunities. Together, the Accelerator and the report build on existing state and NASEO initiatives to advance geothermal power development nationwide.
For further details, visit NASEO’s Geothermal Power Accelerator webpage.