Join the community of Cascade for this free public open house to learn more about the City of Cascade’s exciting geothermal expansion project and how you may be able to “tap in.” The WCMEDC has been proud to partner with this incredible team of people to bring expanded geothermal to Cascade residents and businesses. Meet with project partners & staff, network with our community, and enjoy refreshments. There will be booths, a kid-friendly STEM area with Valley County 4-H & Horizons, yummy treats from Mrs. Tibs Bakery, City officials, educational partners, the opportunity to take a community survey regarding geothermal, and more. Come down and see us for this interactive, fun event to learn more about our geothermal opportunity in Cascade!
About the project: The City of Cascade recently received Department of Energy funding (200k), as well as Idaho Office of Energy and Minerals funding (100k), to design a 4th or 5th generation hybrid heating and cooling system for the City of Cascade using existing geothermal wells. The City is working on this project as part of the Cascade Geothermal Coalition, which includes Sustainable Engineering, Mink GeoHydro and West Central Mountains Economic Development Council. The design for this centralized two-pipe distribution system can potentially supply 50% of the City of Cascade’s heating and cooling energy needs. This expansion would make geothermal available for both the residential and commercial sectors, who would wish to tie into the system. The temperature in the loop system will be modulated by water from various existing geothermal wells in the city. Each of the facilities served by the loop will have heat pumps to either take or put heat into the loop. Supply water would be served by one side and return or discharge water by the other side.
This geothermal system directly reduces the dependence on external fossil fuel resources, provides an affordable energy source, reduces greenhouse gasses, reduces adverse air quality health impacts, and strengthens the resilience of Cascade’s infrastructure. Not only will this reduce greenhouse emissions and be a more efficient, cleaner energy source, but this also will be a significant career technical opportunity for local youth and workforce development in the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC industries, which are vital trades to the region and would offer additional quality job prospects.