U.S. Department of Energy Announces $14.2 Million for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Pilot Projects in Eastern United States

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office announced a funding opportunity of up to $14.2 million in the second round of its call for projects to test the efficacy and scalability of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Directed by the Biden-Harris Administration’s landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), these pilot projects will use innovative technologies and development techniques to capture Earth’s abundant subsurface heat resources in the eastern United States. Through these new pilots and those selected in the first-round funding opportunity, DOE intends to demonstrate the potential for EGS to provide clean, reliable energy to Americans nationwide.  

Geothermal energy currently generates about 4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity in the United States, but a DOE analysis shows it could provide at least 90 GW of firm, flexible power to the U.S. grid by 2050, as well as heating and cooling solutions nationwide. Reaching this potential will require innovative technologies. The use of geothermal energy for power requires three elements: heat, fluid, and the ability for fluid to flow in the subsurface (permeability). While heat exists everywhere underground, many locations lack these conditions naturally. By creating humanmade underground reservoirs to enable fluid flow and draw geothermal energy to the surface, EGS technology expands the opportunity to tap the heat beneath our feet nationwide.  

This second-round funding opportunity focuses on Topic Area 4 authorized under BIL: EGS pilot demonstrations in the eastern United States. Second-round Letters of Intent are required and due July 18, 2024, and second-round applications are due September 25, 2024. Learn more and read the full Funding Opportunity Announcement.