Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Deposit Photos
Deposit Photos
Colorado study targets orphan wells for geothermal use
ColoradoBiz Staff //March 26, 2026//
Gradient Geothermal said it will support a technical study led by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission and the Colorado Energy Office to evaluate repurposing orphaned oil and gas wells for geothermal energy and carbon storage.
In Brief:
- Colorado study explores converting orphan wells to geothermal energy
- Gradient Geothermal will evaluate wells for power and direct-use applications
- Project examines links between geothermal energy and carbon storage
- Study will produce public dataset and final report with recommendations
The study will assess the potential to use orphaned wells for geothermal energy production and examine how geothermal development could align with carbon capture and sequestration efforts.
Gradient will conduct engineering evaluations of wells in the state’s Orphaned Well Program to determine their suitability for electricity generation or direct-use geothermal applications. The study will also inform regulatory and policy considerations for future projects.
“This study represents an important step in turning orphaned wells from environmental liabilities into community assets,” said Benjamin Burke, CEO of Gradient Geothermal.
Julie Murphy, director of the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission, said the work will help inform regulatory processes and evaluate how wells can be repurposed for other uses.
The project will result in a public dataset of orphaned wells and a final report with technical findings and recommendations.
o
