About Us

What We Are

The Utah FORGE project is a field laboratory that is managed by the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah, and sponsored by the Department of Energy. It has been designed to develop, test and optimize the methods and techniques required to create, sustain and monitor enhanced geothermal systems resources. The aim is to establish rigorous, reproducible solutions that make geothermal energy possible anywhere.

U.S. map showing geothermal hot spots and the Utah FORGE location

A RESOURCE THAT:

Provides an underground laboratory for developing, testing, and de-risking innovative tools and stimulation techniques for developing enhanced geothermal system reservoirs
Extends existing technologies developed for oil and gas beyond current capabilities to successfully produce electricity from hot crystalline rocks
Demonstrates technologies that can be applied anywhere
Provides scientists and students with funds for research to expand future energy security and availability
Demonstrates suitability and safety of large-scale geothermal energy development to the public

Location

The Utah FORGE site is on state land leased from the Utah Trust Lands Administration, close to major paved roads, graded dirt roads, an airport, and a rail line. It is accessible year round, with infrequent rain or snow fall. Lodging and eating establishments are available 16 km (10 mi) away in Milford, or in the larger community of Beaver, Utah, located 50 km (31 mi) further and adjacent to Interstate I–15. Beaver is a 3 hour, 320 km (200 mi) drive from Salt Lake City. Milford is a small agricultural community with a population of 1400 people. The Milford Municipal Airport, located a few miles north of town has a 1524 m (5000 ft) paved runway that can accommodate piston or turboprop single- or twin-engine planes. The area contains no state or federally protected flora, fauna, or historical sites.