Iron County company researching 'cool' geothermal power

SALT LAKE CITY — An Iron County company is getting support from the state in its study of low-temperature geothermal energy.

PurpleEnergy is seeking a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and on Tuesday received its first letter of support from the Utah Generated Renewable Energy Electricity Network Authority Board.

The New Castle company is working with the University of Utah's Energy and Geoscience Institute for Phase I of its hybrid geothermal project, according to a media release from UGREEN. PurpleEnergy's assessment of the thermal resources in the area suggests underground temperatures in the sub-300 degree Fahrenheit range, typically too cool for traditional geothermal development. But if research projects are proved successful, opportunities for development of other low-temperature geothermal resources in Utah would open up, according to the release.