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Occidental Petroleum has initiated the GLADE project in Weld County, Colorado, drilling twin boreholes nearly four miles deep to explore geothermal energy, supported by a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The drilling, completed in April 2025, was conducted rapidly, suggesting advancements in drilling technology. The project aims to assess the feasibility of generating electricity from underground heat, with estimates indicating temperatures could exceed 450°F. Although no plans for a geothermal power plant have been confirmed, federal scientists estimate the project could yield 2.2 megawatts of electricity, which may lead to further geothermal development in Colorado.