To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Permit Sonoma
Staff Name and Phone Number: Tennis Wick, Director, and John Mack, Division Manager (707) 565-1233
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino Proactive Regional Geothermal Planning Project Funding
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution, included as Attachment 1, authorizing the Director of Permit Sonoma to submit a grant application to the California Energy Commission for funds to execute the Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino Proactive Regional Geothermal Planning Project, and further authorizing the Director of Permit Sonoma, if recommended for funding by the California Energy Commission, to accept a grant award up to $1,500,000, and to execute on behalf of the County of Sonoma all necessary contracts and agreements, and amendments, to accept the grant and implement and carry out the purposes specified in the application.
end
Executive Summary:
Permit Sonoma requests authorization to submit a grant application for up to $1,500,000 to the California Energy Commission (CEC) under their Geothermal Grant and Loan Program solicitation number GFO-23-402 <https://www.energy.ca.gov/solicitations/2024-02/gfo-23-402-geothermal-grant-and-loan-program>. The objective of the CEC’s solicitation is to fund projects focused on geothermal energy and lithium recovery.
Discussion:
The Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino Proactive Regional Geothermal Planning Project concept was developed in coordination among Permit Sonoma, Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), Mendocino County, and Lake County. Sonoma County will serve as the grant lead; however, SCP and the other Counties are expected to be active project partners and subrecipients of grant funding.
The proposed project includes a geothermal potential study that involves a physical and environmental constraints analysis, regional and tribal coordination, and stakeholder engagement to identify suitable sites for large scale geothermal energy projects with Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties. The primary focus will be areas near the existing Geysers Geothermal Field. The project will also involve significant tribal engagement and funding for site specific cultural resources studies.
The geothermal potential study will focus on the opportunities for development of next generation geothermal technologies that, unlike existing power production at the Geysers, do not require large volumes of water for sustainability. Analysis will evaluate subsurface conditions, including geothermal energy potential and geologic constraints, and surface constraints such as proximity to transmission lines, zoning, and sensitive biotic habitat. Newly available LiDAR and imagery datasets for Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties will be analyzed to identify previously disturbed areas with the intention to direct development towards areas less likely to have high value biologic resources. Modeling of the subsurface will identify areas with temperature gradients and rock types suitable for next generation geothermal. Seismic hazards and impacts to shallow freshwater aquifers will also be considered as part of the constraints analysis.
An output of the Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino Proactive Regional Geothermal Planning Project will be a report that presents methods and results, and a GIS viewer that displays pertinent datasets for planners and geothermal developers to evaluate opportunities and constraints for geothermal development. Data products will enable local governments, planners, and developers to make informed decisions and thereby streamline and support geothermal development while protecting environmental and cultural resources. By integrating efforts across counties, the program fosters collaboration and supports clean energy priorities of the State.
The grant application will seek up to $1,500,000 through the CEC’s Geothermal Grant and Loan Program solicitation number GFO-23-402 <https://www.energy.ca.gov/solicitations/2024-02/gfo-23-402-geothermal-grant-and-loan-program>. The Geothermal Grant and Loan Program was established by the California Legislature in 1980 under Public Resources Code sections 3800 et seq. There is no requirement for matching funds for local governments, and administrative costs are grant reimbursable. Grant applications are due by January 27, 2025. With the grant application submittal local jurisdiction applicants must include a resolution from their governing body authorizing submittal of the application and entering of the proposed agreement, and designating an authorized representative to execute an agreement with the CEC. The CEC’s standard grant terms and conditions are included as Attachment 2. The form of the final agreement with the CEC will be reviewed by County Counsel for substantial conformance with the current standard terms and conditions.
If the grant is awarded to the County by the CEC, the term of the grant agreement is expected to extend from August 2025 through August of 2028. In addition to the primary agreement between the County and CEC, secondary contracts with project partners and subcontractors would be developed and are expected to require authorization by the Board. It is anticipated that the bulk of project work including technical analysis and outreach would be completed by SCP and subcontractors. Limited staff resources from Permit Sonoma for contract development, management, and meetings is anticipated. No new positions are required or proposed.
Strategic Plan:
The Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino Proactive Regional Geothermal Planning Project supports the Climate Action and Resiliency pillar Goal 5: Maximize opportunities for mitigation of climate change and adaptation through land conservation work and land use policies.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
No impact. There is no requirement for matching funds. Grant administrative costs are reimbursable.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - CEC Standard Terms and Conditions
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None