California bill expands clean energy certification to geothermal

The State of California has passed legislation to incorporate geothermal energy facilities into its fast track certification program, providing a streamlined permitting and approvals process previously accessible to wind, solar, and battery storage projects. The amendment aims to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate deployment of geothermal electricity and heat projects across the state. (

Under the new statute, geothermal power plants and associated infrastructure will qualify for expedited review, shorter timelines, and simplified review procedures coordinated by the state’s energy and environmental agencies. Proponents argue this inclusion will strengthen geothermal’s role in California’s renewable energy mix and enhance its competitiveness against more mature technologies.

The update reflects California’s intent to diversify its clean energy portfolio beyond solar and wind, recognizing geothermal’s potential as a dispatchable, low-emission resource. Technical design, resource exploration, drilling, fluid management, and surface facility engineering must still satisfy environmental, seismic, and water resource regulations, but proponents expect fewer procedural delays under the new regime.