The Jicarilla Apache Nation is undertaking a nine-month geothermal feasibility study, funded by a $2.5 million grant from New Mexico, to evaluate potential electricity generation and direct heating on tribal lands. The tribe’s Oil and Gas Administration, collaborating with SMK Geoscience, is leading the study. Heather C. Gomez has been appointed as the community engagement manager to facilitate communication, organize meetings, and collect feedback from tribal members.
The grant is sourced from the state’s Geothermal Projects Development Fund, overseen by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Donna Montoya, the director of the tribe’s Oil and Gas Administration, expressed the tribe’s interest in diversifying its energy portfolio to include renewable sources.
The feasibility study will analyze existing oil and gas data, subsurface temperatures, geology, and water chemistry to identify areas suitable for geothermal development. A final report is expected at the end of Phase 1, which will be presented to the tribe’s Legislative Council and state officials.
Tribal members are encouraged to participate by asking questions and providing feedback. Upcoming meetings include an in-person town hall on October 29 and a virtual meeting on November 30.
New Mexico ranks sixth in the U.S. for geothermal resource potential but currently operates only one utility-scale geothermal power plant. Recent policy changes have expedited the permitting process for geothermal exploration on public lands.
