Memorandum
Date: January 25, 2022
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Carol J. Huchingson, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Subject: (a) Consideration of a Follow-Up Presentation by Sonoma Clean Power Chief Executive Officer, Geof Syphers, on a Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone); (b) Consideration of a Resolution Establishing County Membership in the Sonoma Lake Mendocino Opportunity Zone.
Executive Summary:
As your Board will recall, on November 2, Sonoma Clean Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Geof Syphers, introduced the idea of cross-jurisdictional collaboration surrounding exploration of new baseload renewable energy technologies through a “Geothermal Opportunity Zone” (GeoZone). Sonoma Clean Power’s Board authorized creation of the GeoZone on October 7, 2021.
Emerging technologies have the capacity to produce energy while utilizing markedly less water than was previously required. Baseload renewables, including traditional and new closed loop geothermal, are also expected to be of increasing import in the State’s energy portfolio, as projects such as the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant are decommissioned in coming years.
Lake County has long been home to Calpine’s “The Geysers” facility, and portions of our County are rich in the natural attributes conducive to effective geothermal production. Opportunity therefore exists to encourage job creation, and even generate County revenue, by promoting new geothermal development.
Geof Syphers is again present, to provide further information and respond to any questions you may have. Sonoma Clean Power likewise prepared the attached informational Memo.
Staff recommends your Board Adopt the attached Resolution, joining the GeoZone, in the interests of Lake County maintaining a strong connection to this valuable energy opportunity exploration initiative, and further developing partnerships with key neighbors Sonoma Clean Power, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.
For your awareness, Mendocino County has already joined, and Sonoma County’s Board is expected to consider joining in February.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action:
(a) Follow-up informational report. No action.
(b) Adopt the Resolution Establishing County Membership in the Sonoma Lake Mendocino Geothermal Opportunity Zone (“GeoZone”).