GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 21, 2016 – Colorado School of Mines, the Colorado Geological Survey and the Colorado Energy Office are partnering on a site-specific economic analysis of low-temperature direct-use geothermal energy for the town of Rico, located in southwestern Colorado.

The goal of the project, “Economic Assessment of Potential Uses of the Geothermal Resource at Rico for Consideration by Local Residents,” is to work with current knowledge about the resource and develop economic models to help Rico officials identify end-use technologies and resource development pathways to attract new industries to the town.

The project is made possible through a combination of U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program and Colorado Energy Office funds.

Division of Economics and Business Teaching Associate Professor Becky Lafrancois and Paul Morgan, senior geophysicist with the Colorado Geological Survey, will lead the study with assistance from Professor Wendy Harrison of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering.

A community meeting to kick off the project will be held in Rico Jan. 21-22.

 

Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
Kathleen Morton, Digital Media and Communications Manager, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kmorton@mines.edu