The transition towards sustainable energy sources has led to an increased focus on geothermal energy, a clean, renewable resource that can provide reliable base-load power. Harnessing this energy effectively requires precise identification of suitable geothermal resources. In June of 2024 the Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County, in partnership with the Nooksack Indian Tribe Natural Resources Department issued a request for proposals for a pre-feasibility study to address the need to identify the most viable type of geothermal resource at the Mt. Baker site, where preliminary test wells have indicated resource potential. Hotrock Energy Research Organization (HERO) completed their Phase 1 Preliminary Geothermal Resource Assessment of Mt. Baker in February of this year, providing valuable early-stage information regarding this potential energy resource in our area.
