Idaho is an important location for energy transmission lines that provide a critical link in the nation’s energy supply system. Major gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines cross southern Idaho, connecting energy production facilities in the central Rockies with energy markets in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. 

 

 

A national study is currently being conducted to assess the need for additional energy transmission lines in 11 western states. Because Idaho is an important geographic link between production facilities and energy markets, BLM-managed lands in Idaho could play a key role if transmission capacity is expanded. More information about the energy transmission study is available at http://corridoreis.anl.gov. 

 

Idaho possesses abundant renewable energy resources – especially wind and geothermal– that are essential to building a sustainable-energy future. A recent study estimated that wind energy production in Idaho could provide as much as 625 megawatts of electricity by 2015. That’s enough energy to supply the annual needs of more than 150,000 homes. This potential is already being realized by the BLM’s approval in 2006 of the Cotteral Mountain wind energy project. Up to 98 wind turbines located on BLM-managed lands in south-central Idaho will generate 200 megawatts of electricity. The Cotteral Mountain project could begin development in 2007.

 

Surprisingly, the potential for geothermal energy in southern Idaho may be even greater than the potential for wind energy. Volcanic eruptions have shaped the landscape of southern Idaho for millions of years. Deep beneath southern Idaho, the Earth continues to heat underground water that can be tapped to produce geothermal energy. Studies estimate that Idaho could produce as much as 850 megawatts of electricity from geothermal energy by 2015.