What is this blog about?
This blog is about geothermal energy in Washington state. The name, North of the Hot Zone refers to our state’s position relative to the rich near surface geothermal resources of Nevada, California, Idaho and Oregon. 
While Washington state and Washingtonians are committed to renewable energy, we have yet to make geothermal part of that mix. This blog seeks to provide the information about our state’s potential, our state specific challenges and the broader national context.
Washington State has strong potential – we are in the top 10 states in the country for geothermal potential. To date, however, nothing has been sited, permitted or developed. If a developer intended to file a permit with EFSC (the State’s Energy Facility Siting Council) the staff would not be capable of properly responding. Furthermore, the debate and analysis among stakeholders (Public Utility Districts, tribes and environmental groups) has not even commenced. This would need to change so that we can proceed thoughtfully with the development of this energy resource.
Done correctly geothermal could provide clean, low carbon, grid friendly base load power. Almost all of the work will be done by power developers. The environmental regulations, protection of sacred sites and policy positions will come from us — the citizens of Washington state. It will be about ten years before the first electron is generated from geothermal in Washington state. But for us to be ready, responsive and prudent we need to coalesce around geothermal now. Hence this blog.