Geothermal Resources

Geo-Heat Center
The Geo-Heat Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon, transfers technological information about geothermal energy to consultants, developers, potential users, and the general public. Information developed through firsthand experience with hundreds of projects and through extensive research is provided to individuals, organizations or companies involved in geothermal development.

GeoPowering the West
GeoPowering the West is a commitment to dramatically increase the use of geothermal energy in the western United States. A Draft Action Plan is available for download at the GeoPowering the West website, as is other useful information.

Geothermal Education Office
The Geothermal Education Office aims to promote public understanding about geothermal resources and its importance in providing clean sustainable energy while protecting the environment. GEO produces and distributes educational materials about geothermal energy to schools, energy/environmental educators, libraries, industry, and the public. Material for sale includes:

• Curriculum: "Geothermal Energy" for grades 4-8
• Video: "Geothermal Energy: A Down to Earth Adventure" for grades 3-5
• Video: "Geothermal Energy: A Renewable Option" for grades 6-12 and general audiences (accompanying classroom activities now available; also available in Spanish and Japanese)
• CD-ROM: "The Theory of Plate Tectonics" for grades 7-12
  Slide Set: "Introduction to Geothermal Energy" for general audience

Geothermal Fact Sheet: Montana
Produced by DOE's Geothermal Technologies Program, this fact sheet provides a useful overview of geothermal's use and potential in Montana.

Geothermal Technologies Program
The Department of Energy's geothermal research and development program is to work in partnership with U.S. industry to establish geothermal energy as a sustainable, environmentally sound, economically competitive contributor to the U.S. and world energy supply. You can download a 22-page "Strategic Plan for the Geothermal Energy Program" at the Geothermal Energy Program website. The plan identifies five strategic areas of interest linked to both DOE's Strategic Plan and DOE's Comprehensive National Energy Strategy: Domestic Electric Power; Direct Use Applications and Geothermal Heat Pumps; International Geothermal Development; Science and Technology; and Future Resources.

Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)
With the experience and dedication of its diverse membership bolstering a 25-year track record, the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has built a reputation as one of the world's premier geothermal associations. The Council serves as a focal point for continuing professional development for its members through its many outreach, information transfer and education services. 

Geothermal Springs and Wells in Montana
In 1994, the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology updated its inventory of low- and moderate-temperature resources (springs and wells) for the state and assisted the Oregon Institute of technology – GeoHeat Center and the University of Utah Research Institute in prioritizing and collocating important geothermal resource areas with population centers and transportation routes. The database compiled for this assessment contains information on location, flow, water chemistry, and estimated reservoir temperatures for 267 geothermal wells and springs in Montana. Download the inventory and a map of Montana geothermal resources in PDF format. 

Download free Acrobat Reader software to view PDF files. 

Geothermal Resources Inventory (1.7MB PDF)
Geothermal Resources Map (4.3MB PDF)

INEEL State Geothermal Resource Map Information
The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) produced geothermal resource maps of 13 western states, including Montana, for the Department of Energy.

Montana Hot Springs
Montana has more than two dozen developed "hot spring" destinations and another 30 natural sites all fed from natural geothermal features. Rooms, fine dining, therapeutic massage, Olympic sized pools, soaking tubs, and steam rooms are available at many of the developed sites. Resorts are located near some the finest outdoor recreation areas in the state. Mountain ranges, streams and national forests adjoin Montana hot springs. The most complete list of hot springs is at Travel Montana’s Things to Do – Hot Springs page at the Visit Montana site.

Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC) 
The Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC) provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps. An extensive dictionary of renewable energy related terms is also provided. The News section announces new products on the RReDC, which is supported by the U. S. Department of Energy's Resource Assessment Program and managed by the Photovoltaics Technology Division of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Residential Geothermal Systems Credit 
Montana allows individuals to claim an income tax credit up to $250 for the cost of installation of a geothermal energy system. This credit is allowable for the 3 years following the year of installation. However, there is no carry-back or carry-forward of the credit permitted. The only other states with programs specifically targeting geothermal technologies are California (grant), Indiana (property tax), and North Dakota (income tax).  For more information, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-444-2544.