Published on 07/08/2025
Exploring the power of geothermal energy
So, what is geothermal energy? Simply put, it's heat from the Earth. Deep within the Earth, there’s an abundance of thermal energy, which can be harnessed to generate electricity. Think of it as tapping into the planet’s natural warmth, something that’s always there, day or night, rain or shine.
While some energy sources rely on the right weather conditions, geothermal energy is consistent and available 24/7. It’s particularly valuable during dark winter months, when solar and wind power aren’t as abundant. Today, geothermal is one of the most promising renewable energy sources to help reduce our dependence on natural gas.
Geothermal energy is crucial, especially when we talk about our reliance on fossil fuels. We’ve made fantastic strides in generating renewable power from solar and wind, but those sources have limitations. Right now, our state still relies heavily on fossil fuels like natural gas, especially at night and through much of the winter.
The biggest problem: these natural gas plants are major contributors to the climate crisis, increasing the risk of wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, and drought. Plus, they are getting increasingly expensive to maintain, driving up costs for everyone.
That’s why we need a reliable alternative. To meet California’s goal of producing 100% of its electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources by 2045, we need 24/7 energy—and that’s where geothermal comes into play. It generates clean energy around the clock, complements the state’s solar and wind power, and replaces natural gas as a dependable power source.
Our goal is to raise awareness and make real change happen. That includes inviting the community to talk about the importance of geothermal energy and, more importantly, working hard in the policy arena.
Last year, we sponsored Assembly Bill 1359 (Papan) at the state level, which fixed an old legal barrier holding us, and other local jurisdictions, back from building geothermal power in their service areas.
And we’re not stopping there. Assemblymembers Diane Papan (D- San Mateo) and Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) have introduced several bills in partnership with Sonoma Clean Power—AB 527 and AB 531.
These bills aim to position California as a coordinated and effective leader in geothermal development. Assemblymember Papan puts it perfectly when she says geothermal energy will provide clean and constant power, giving our state a reliable energy source as we move towards a carbon-free future.
Sonoma and Mendocino counties are sitting on a goldmine of geothermal resources, and SCP has launched the Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone) initiative to harness this power. We are working with geothermal developers to build up to 600 MW of next-generation geothermal power here locally.
Not only will the GeoZone provide us with clean and reliable power, but it will save our customers money and boost our local economy by creating thousands of well-paying jobs. It’s a win-win!
We’re excited about the potential of geothermal energy and the positive benefits it can have for our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
