- Fervo Energy has launched the Geothermal Sustainable Development Pact, a document that aims to establish a new framework for best-in-class standards.
- The Pact aims to create a unified foundation for responsible geothermal growth in the US.
Fervo Energy has launched the Geothermal Sustainable Development Pact, a document that aims to establish a new framework for best-in-class standards for how geothermal projects are planned, built, and operated.
The Pact includes 37 specific commitments across six pillars: community engagement, workforce development, land use, water conservation and well integrity, induced seismicity, and emissions.
The Pact provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure that geothermal development happens responsibly, ensuring that projects protect ecosystems and support local communities while also advancing the transition to clean and sustainable power.
Many of its commitments go above and beyond existing regulatory requirements, setting a new benchmark for geothermal growth and development. It has been endorsed by Sierra Club and the NW Energy Coalition.
Fervo emphasises that the Pact is intended as an open industry standard, inviting developers, operators, policymakers, and community partners to join as signatories and contribute to its continued improvement. By establishing a shared set of commitments and best practices, the Pact aims to create a unified foundation for responsible geothermal growth in the U.S.
“The Geothermal Sustainable Development Pact was borne out of a belief that the future of energy demands not just better technology, but better practices,” said Tim Latimer, CEO and Co-Founder of Fervo Energy. “We’re proud to have worked with the Sierra Club on the Principles and look forward to continued collaboration as we strengthen the Pact.”
“As energy demand continues to grow and our communities face rising costs every month, it is crucial that we consider all our options to meet this demand growth without sacrificing our health or environment,” added Sierra Club Principal Advisor Jeremy Fisher.
“With geothermal’s rapidly expanding potential to help meet our clean energy and affordability goals here in the Northwest and beyond, it is important to have the geothermal industry, communities, and Tribes at the table,” said Fred Heutte, Senior Policy Analyst at NW Energy Coalition.