By Robert Buluma | Alphaxioms Blog | July 8, 2025
From Fossil Fuels to the Earth’s Furnace—Rico is Rising
Nestled in the mountainous beauty of southwest Colorado, the historic town of Rico is about to become a shining example of how geothermal innovation can power a resilient, carbon-free future. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office, awarded under the state’s groundbreaking Geothermal Energy Grant Program, Teverra is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how rural communities heat their homes.
🔥 A Groundbreaking Project with Groundbreaking Heat
Teverra, headquartered in Atlanta, is no stranger to subsurface energy innovation. But the Rico Heat Network Project might just be one of its most impactful endeavors yet. The company plans to deploy cutting-edge subsurface analysis, thermal modeling, and engineering expertise to develop a direct-use geothermal system that will sustainably heat and cool buildings across the town.
This isn’t just a pilot—it’s a proof of concept for small-town America, showing how even remote communities can leapfrog into a clean energy future by tapping into the natural warmth stored beneath their feet.
“This award is a testament to the growing recognition that geothermal is not just a clean energy option—but a powerful enabler of energy security, economic development, and climate resilience,” said Dr. Hamed Soroush, CEO of Teverra.
🏔 Why Rico? Why Now?
The town of Rico offers the perfect testing ground. Its rural, mountainous profile mirrors that of countless other towns that struggle with the high costs and unreliability of fossil fuel-based heating.
Colorado’s leadership under Governor Jared Polis—through the “Heat Beneath Our Feet” initiative—has made the state a national trailblazer in geothermal adoption. The $1.6 million awarded in this final round of funding isn’t just investment—it’s a declaration: Colorado wants to be the geothermal capital of America.
💡 Beyond Heat: A Blueprint for Climate Resilience
The implications of the Rico Heat Network extend far beyond one town. This project will serve as a blueprint for rural America, where aging infrastructure, cold climates, and energy insecurity often go hand in hand.
Teverra is setting the bar for how geothermal energy can do more than just keep people warm. It can:
Stimulate local economies
Reduce dependence on imported fuels
Mitigate climate impact
Create new technical jobs
🛠 What’s Next?
As the Rico project moves into the implementation phase, the geothermal sector will be watching closely. Success here could ignite a geothermal revolution in the Rockies—and far beyond.
Rico might be a small town, but the heat rising beneath it could fuel a massive shift in U.S. energy thinking.
Source: #Teverra
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