Stanford Geothermal WorkshopFebruary 9-11, 2026

The Rico geothermal system in southwestern Colorado represents a promising low- to medium-temperature resource with potential to support a community-scale Thermal Energy Network (TEN). Surface manifestations include three thermal springs from historical artesian mining wells with discharge temperatures ranging from 38–46 °C and flow rates up to 0.95 l/s. However, geothermometry and historical data suggest subsurface temperatures up to 120–140 °C. To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing this resource for direct-use heating, Teverra, with support from Seequent Ltd., developed a preliminary 3D geological model in Leapfrog Energy. This model integrates geological information, mapped fault structures, geophysical datasets, and known hydrothermal features to characterize the subsurface geometry and identify key controls on permeability and fluid flow. Early modeling results indicate a structurally complex but favorable setting for geothermal circulation, with fault networks that may enhance reservoir connectivity and recharge. The ongoing conceptual modeling effort incorporates additional datasets, including spring temperature and geochemistry, historic mining data, resistivity and magnetotelluric surveys, and thermal gradient anomalies, to refine the resource characterization and develop a conceptual model for the geothermal system. This integrated approach will guide future exploration and infrastructure planning, laying the foundation for a resilient, locally sourced geothermal energy solution tailored to Rico’s heating needs. By systematically compiling legacy and newly acquired data into a coherent conceptual framework and 3D resource model, this work establishes a technically defensible pathway toward confirmation drilling, reducing subsurface uncertainty and increasing confidence for subsequent investment and development decisions

Topic: Direct Use