Arizona Governor invests $1 million to expand initiatives in geothermal research
South Mountain Park, Phoenix, Arizona (source: Domenico Convertini from Zurich, Schweiz, CC BY-SA 2.0 
Carlo Cariaga
6 Feb 2026
The Arizona Governor's Office is investing $1 million in geothermal research as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate geothermal deployment in the state.
The Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency has announced a $1 million investment in the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) to expand subsurface data collection and analysis work in aid of enhancing knowledge of the state’s geothermal resources.
This investment is part of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ advocacy of accelerating geothermal development in the state. Earlier this month, the Governor released her FY2027 Executive Budget Proposal which included $1.5 million for geothermal research. Moreover, a Geothermal Working Group had already been established within the Arizona Energy Promise Taskforce to catalyze the deployment of next-generation geothermal technologies across the state.
Arizona is also one of the 13 member states of the Geothermal Power Accelerator, a multi-state initiative under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) that aims to consolidate efforts to accelerate geothermal power deployment.
“Arizona is at a crucial crossroads in its energy story, and we have the key resources needed to be a leader in geothermal energy production. I am taking the steps to make that happen by investing in the Arizona Geological Survey, proposing funding for new geothermal research in my Executive Budget, and convening a geothermal working group,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.
“Arizona is ready to leverage its status as a global leader in technology industries and a strong foundation in subsurface industries like mining. Geothermal will be a future-defining industry for Arizona, lowering energy costs and strengthening our grid. We are open for business.”
The AZGS bring more than 45 years of experience in geothermal research and deep knowledge of subsurface characterization and data development. The agency was also part of the US DOE’s National Geothermal Data System project.
“With this rich legacy of geothermal work, AZGS remains committed to advancing Arizona’s geothermal development through rigorous science and close collaboration with the Governor’s Office,” said Brian F. Gootee, Senior Research Geologist and Energy Geology Group Chief at AZGS.
With Arizona utilities estimating a 40% increase in electricity demand over the next 15 years, geothermal research is part of an all-of-the-above resource strategy to maintain affordability and reliability while supporting the state’s energy demand, as pointed out by Erik Bakken, President of Tucson Electric Power.
“We appreciate Governor Hobbs’ commitment to advancing innovative energy solutions through this proposed appropriation, which will help expand the exploration of geothermal technologies and strengthen Arizona’s long term energy portfolio.”
Source: Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency via email correspondence
