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Hello,
It is often said that April showers bring May flowers. As spring blooms and we approach Earth Day, we are reflecting on our commitment to sustainable energy at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), where our focus on harnessing Earth's heat enables protecting our planet for future generations.
As the nation seeks climate change solutions to reduce our environmental footprint, geothermal energy stands out for its ability to provide firm, flexible power that can complement other renewable sources like solar and wind, while offering low-carbon ways to heat and cool our homes. This makes geothermal an invaluable component of a diversified energy portfolio aimed at achieving net-zero emissions!
Speaking of a diversified energy portfolio, last month I attended CERAWeek 2024, which provided a dynamic platform for discussing the evolving role of geothermal in the global energy mix. We are seeing so much excitement about geothermal energy! The conference was abuzz with discussions about how “the heat beneath our feet” presents a pivotal solution to modern challenges, including the growing need for continuous power. Much of that excitement came from the release of DOE’s which highlights pathways for next-generation geothermal to play a significant role in the nation’s energy future—you can watch a recording of the launch webinar here. Recent successes in the field, including at our Utah FORGE site and GTO-funded drilling advances, support the viability of these next-gen technologies, and we know interest in investing in and using geothermal energy will continue to grow.
I also participated in the Bitcoin Policy Summit, which delved into the intersections of energy and digital currencies. My discussion with Troy Cross of Reed College underscored the significant opportunities for geothermal to support industry energy needs and for the bitcoin community to use waste heat for beneficial purposes, like community heating, agriculture, etc. The summit was a vibrant forum for exploring how our energy solutions can propel an industry at the forefront of digital innovation.
As we look forward to warmer temperatures in the coming weeks, I’m also looking forward to continued excitement about geothermal and GTO’s next quarterly webinar in June. Keep any eye out for your invitation to register, coming soon!
Until then, have a happy Earth Day and a great April!
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Lauren Boyd
GTO Director
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Trivia Question: Which country in Europe is the largest producer of bananas?
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GTO's Latest
Geothermal Geophone Prize Finalists Announced
GTO selected five teams to receive $250,000 in cash prizes and $100,000 in national laboratory vouchers each, and the opportunity to compete in the final round of GTO’s Geothermal Geophone Prize. The five finalist teams will fabricate and test advanced high-temperature seismometer prototypes at a qualified testing facility and can work with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to field test prototypes in a geothermal field.
Geothermal is Keeping Communities Warm (and Cool!) Nationwide
Learn how a growing number of community- or district-wide geothermal systems are bringing heating and cooling solutions to homes and businesses across the country, and how GTO-funded projects are advancing innovation in this technology.
FORGE Starts Commercial-Scale Well Stimulation
On April 3, GTO’s Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) started a two-week project to enhance geothermal energy output using their two highly deviated wells. The operation involves stimulating the injection well (16A(78)-32) in ten stages while monitoring for fracture hits on fiberoptic cable installed in the production well (16(B)78-32), then stimulating the production well in four stages at the fracture hits. A 12-hour inter-well flow test will follow to evaluate the connection between the two wells. For a bird's eye view of the site, watch Utah FORGE's latest video.
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Headlines Around DOE
Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) Funding Opportunity
DOE has announced the Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy initiative, offering $18 million in competitive grants to support clean energy projects in local governments and federally recognized Indian Tribes. Applications are due May 31, 2024; potential applicants can learn more on the Infrastructure Exchange and are encouraged to apply early.
 Call for Communities to Join the Energy Transitions Initiatives Partnership Project (ETIPP)
Applications are open for remote and island communities to apply to the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP). Communities will create and pursue energy resilience projects defined by local priorities and goals, using technical assistance from analysts at national laboratories and regional partner organizations. Visit the ETIPP application page to learn more and register for the April 24 webinar.
Applications Now Open for Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) Program
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory opened applications for its Clean Energy to Communities program, including two geothermal cohort topics:
DOE Announces $475 Million for Clean Energy on Mine Lands
DOE selected five clean energy projects to boost clean energy deployment, on current and former mining lands. One project, located at two active copper mines in Arizona, will deploy direct-use geothermal. The projects will receive up to $475 million as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.
 $18 Million in Technical Assistance for 30 Communities to Advance Clean Energy Transition
DOE has selected 30 communities for the second cohort of the Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP), aimed at empowering disadvantaged and fossil fuel-dependent communities to transition to clean energy. These communities will share $18 million in technical assistance to develop action plans that will reduce pollution, cut energy costs, and create jobs.
$3 Million Awarded to EPIC Incubators and Accelerators
DOE’s Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) has awarded a total of $3 million to 23 energy incubators and accelerators nationwide. One awardee, the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), is establishing a geothermal drilling center of excellence to support the geothermal workspace in the northeast. The award to HEET is funded by the Geothermal Technologies Office.
$5 Million to Support Clean Energy Workforce Development at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs)
The MSI STEM Research & Development Consortium and DOE jointly announced $5 million for two minority-serving institutions to develop programs that prepare students for careers in clean energy. Tennessee State University and the University of Texas at El Paso were selected for innovative projects that include virtual reality training, in-person workshops, and educational collaborations among Hispanic-serving institutions.
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Workshop to Help Shape Industrial Decarbonization Strategies | May 14–15, 2024
DOE’s Office of Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization will host a workshop in Washington, D.C. to gather input and discuss technologies needed to decarbonize the industrial sector. The workshop is an opportunity for industry, academia, and government to contribute to development of effective decarbonization strategies. While in-person attendance is limited, DOE will provide additional avenues for input, including virtual participation and a request for information.
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In Case You Missed It
Resource: Geothermal Lithium Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Article: LPO Tech Talk on Next-Generation Geothermal
In March, DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) published an article discussing next-generation geothermal energy technologies to meet U.S. decarbonization goals, expand geothermal electricity-generating capacity to at least 90 GW by 2050, and support the Biden-Harris Administration's goals for a carbon-pollution-free electricity sector by 2035.
Colorado Launches Tax Incentive for Geothermal Electricity Development and Production
The Colorado Energy Office launched the Geothermal Electricity Tax Credit Offering (GETCO) to bolster geothermal energy development, aligning with Governor Jared Polis’ initiative for 100% renewable energy. Eligible entities can apply until June 30, 2024, for investment and production tax credits to explore and produce geothermal electricity.
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