Geothermal Energy in Oregon
Geothermal energy comes from the internal heat of the earth, found in rocks and fluids at various depths. It makes up less than one percent of Oregon's electricity generation.
Geothermal Energy in Oregon
In Oregon, areas with the greatest geothermal potential are located in the central and southeastern parts of the state. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed an interactive mapping tool of geothermal resources. Similarly, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries created an interactive map of geothermal springs and wells in Oregon.
Learn more about geothermal and other energy resources in our Biennial Energy Report.
Geothermal for Electricity Generation
Oregon’s first geothermal power plant began operating in 2010 at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. The initial electricity-generating capacity was 280 kilowatts. A second plant at OIT generates 1.75 megawatts of power.
In 2012, U.S. Geothermal Inc. brought online a 22-megawatt facility at Neal Hot Springs near the eastern Oregon town of Vale. In 2015, a 3.1-megawatt geothermal power plant began operating in Paisley. Other geothermal opportunities are being explored in Lake County at Crump Geyser and Glass Butte.
Unlike other forms of renewable energy, geothermal projects provide a more constant source of electricity. By providing reliable baseload power, these facilities help to offset traditional fossil fuel power plants and support integration of more renewables onto the grid.
Geothermal for Heating
Let us know how we can improve this page