Since moving to Colorado three years ago, I’ve seen firsthand the state’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability. Colorado took another major step forward by awarding $77 million in grants for geothermal energy projects across the state. 

The funding, announced by Governor Jared Polis’ administration, will support initiatives aimed at harnessing geothermal power for heating, cooling, and electricity generation—helping to solidify Colorado’s position as a leader in renewable energy innovation.

One notable project is in Pueblo, where the city will use $270,000 in state funding to install ground-source heat pumps at three new net-zero emissions fire stations. These stations will serve communities that currently lack nearby emergency services. The project is expected to improve emergency response times, lower insurance rates, and save taxpayers more than $28,000 annually in energy costs.

“Installing geothermal heat pumps in Pueblo’s three newest net-zero fire stations will keep operation costs low while reducing electricity demand on the grid from these much-needed emergency service hubs,” said Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham. “We are grateful to receive this funding from the state, which will not only help us achieve our sustainability goals but will also save our community money and advance the use of innovative geothermal technology in our city.”

The funding comes as Colorado works to expand geothermal energy use as part of its broader clean energy and climate action plan. In a recently published report, state officials outlined geothermal's untapped potential, highlighting how it can provide a stable, renewable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. The report also emphasized geothermal's cost-saving benefits, particularly for heating and cooling buildings, which account for a large portion of the state’s energy consumption.

Governor Polis has positioned Colorado as a leader in geothermal innovation, pushing for projects that demonstrate its viability in both urban and rural areas. The latest investments support a mix of public and private initiatives, from small-scale heating and cooling systems to larger projects aimed at integrating geothermal energy into the state’s power grid.

With state funding now secured, Pueblo’s fire station project and other geothermal initiatives will move forward in the coming months. As more communities adopt this technology, Colorado hopes to become a model for how geothermal energy can drive both sustainability and cost savings in the long term.

For now, projects like the one in Pueblo demonstrate that clean energy investments don’t just benefit the environment—they also improve public services, cut costs, and enhance quality of life for local communities.