Next-Generation Geothermal R&D Act

Full Title:
Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

Summary#

This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities for next-generation geothermal systems. It adds definitions for closed-loop and supercritical geothermal systems and expands the scope of projects to include enhanced geothermal, closed-loop, and supercritical conditions. The bill requires the Department of Energy to support a next-generation geothermal R&D program in the Geothermal Technologies Office, create and update a public subsurface data repository, enter memoranda of understanding with Interior and other agencies to share subsurface and project data, and may fund regional supercritical exploration boreholes led by the Department of the Interior. It creates competitive grant programs, a center of excellence, commercial-readiness grants with up to 80% federal cost share, and requires reports and periodic progress reports to Congress. The bill also directs the USGS to update the national geothermal resource assessment every four years to include regions with supercritical potential, with the first update due within two years.

What it means for you#

  • Researchers, universities, National Laboratories, and private companies can apply for new grants to test and commercialize advanced geothermal technologies, including closed-loop and supercritical systems.
  • The bill requires more publicly available subsurface and drilling data, which could improve access to maps and regional information for planners and developers.
  • The Department of the Interior may commission deep exploration boreholes in representative provinces and U.S. territories; data from those activities must be shared publicly.
  • The bill supports workforce development, centers of excellence, and coordination among FORGE sites, potentially creating research and training opportunities.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $150,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031 to carry out the new geothermal provisions, to be derived from amounts otherwise authorized to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
  • For commercial-readiness innovation grants, the Federal share of project costs shall be not more than 80 percent.
  • No publicly available information on overall budgetary impact beyond the authorization amounts above.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.