Project abstract summary - SAN ildefonso geothermal energy projectdescription of the elements of the proposed projectthis is a proposed project to engage in appropriate studies to take advantage of…

The Pueblo De San Ildefonso received a $200,470 project grant awarded September 22, 2025, from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs under the Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands program (CFDA 15.038). The two-year grant, with completion targeted for September 21, 2027, funds technical feasibility studies and pre-development assessments for a utility-scale geothermal energy generation project located on the Pueblo's 39,000 acres of Indian trust land adjacent to Los Alamos National Laboratory. The deliverables include comprehensive technical analyses, resource inventories, economic viability determinations, and engineering evaluations necessary to establish the foundation for future geothermal development and inform tribal decision-making regarding the project's commercial and financial feasibility.

The project supports the Pueblo's broader economic development objectives while addressing Los Alamos National Laboratory's critical renewable energy needs, including the facility's stated goal of transitioning to 100 percent carbon-pollution-free electricity by 2030. The grant-funded studies will establish a viable financing and development model for utility-scale geothermal energy projects on Indian trust land, position the Pueblo to deliver clean, consistent renewable power to a major federal installation, generate revenue streams for the tribe, create local workforce training and employment opportunities in a high-poverty region, and advance regional sustainability objectives.

Project abstract summary - SAN ildefonso geothermal energy projectdescription of the elements of the proposed projectthis is a proposed project to engage in appropriate studies to take advantage of the location of the pueblo DE SAN ildefonso, which is adjacent to LOS alamos national laboratory (LANL), to provide clean, renewable geothermal energy to the lab. LANL is facing a significant increase in energy demand due to its expanding scientific missions, including the operation of a new supercomputer and advanced research facilities financed by an increase in the labs budget by over 100% to $5.2 billion since 2019. LOS alamos county department of utilities has made a commitment to negotiate with SAN I. To purchase renewable power deliverable to LANL.LANL has several key renewable energy and sustainability goals. The primary quantitative LANL target is to transition to 100% carbon-pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030. Additionally, LANL has set an internal goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. At the same time, LOS alamos is surrounded by national forest and indian land and has limited space for the construction of new energy generation. The pueblo DE SAN ildefonso has 39,000 acres of largely undeveloped land next to LOS alamos.need for the projectin addition to providing proximate renewable energy to enable LANL to carry out vital functions, the project will provide a revenue stream to the pueblo DE SAN ildefonso and bolster the regional economy. Description of the objectivesbesides the objectives listed above, the project will provide a viable model for financing and constructing a utility-scale geothermal energy generation project on indian trust land that will benefit SAN I. (the tribe), surrounding low-income communities, and a major federal installation, as well as provide local jobs and workforce training in a high-poverty area. The project will also help to promote the use of clean, consistent, renewable geothermal energy. New mexico has some of the best geothermal energy resources of any state in the country. The pueblo DE SAN ildefonso is located in what is probably one of the most productive areas for geothermal energy production in the state. This will represent the first time that the strong geothermal energy resources that are part of the LOS alamos area will be used productively, creating an important precedent. Anticipated outcomes that will result if the project were to be fundedthe requested funding will allow the pueblo DE SAN ildefonso and its business arm SAN ildefonso services to become educated about the potential benefits and risks that such a project entails. This information will assist the tribe in making appropriate decisions about how best to approach this project, including any potential trade-offs and possible reasons not to proceed or to pursue suggested changes. The tribe will research the reliability and trustworthiness of its potential development partner, be in a stronger position VIS – VIS negotiating with its potential development partner, as well as be able to help negotiate a viable power purchase agreement. Through the grant funding, the tribe will be able to promote agreements that include a level of managerial control as the project progresses, as well as over the long term, and be better able to understand its options, so as to realize maximum benefits. The tribe will also be in a position to research and take advantage of financial incentives that are available to indian nations to increase overall project profitability. Total amount of funding requestedthe total amount of funding being requested from the emdp grant is $245,512, which will be used to develop detailed analysis and studies related to the project that will document project feasibility, projected financial returns, tribal land permitting requirements, project safety and environmental integrity, understand infrastructure requirements and how they will impact tribal land, help to develo