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You’re receiving this edition of the Drill Down a day early. Why? Because tomorrow is Juneteenth! Formally added to the United States federal holiday calendar in 2021, Juneteenth―a combination of “June” and “nineteenth” ―marks the true end of slavery in America. While many history books state that the American Civil War ended May 26, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was not fully enforced in the South for another 24 days. African Americans have regularly celebrated this date with family gatherings centered on food and festivities. We here at Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) hope you will take time on this holiday to contemplate the struggle Black people in this country have and continue to face in the fight for equitable treatment. |
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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
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What does it mean to be timeless?
As a scientist, I define timelessness literally—to be timeless is to have longevity and staying power. This June, we celebrate the enduring existence of LGBTQIA+ people. Queer people have always been present in society, from the two-spirits of indigenous communities in the Americas, to modern movements advocating for gay and transgender rights and inclusion. With Pride Month turning 25 this year, and as more people take part in the festivities, we hope to see increasing levels of recognition, acceptance, and love. Regardless, queer people will remain visible, proud, and of course, timeless.
Another celebration of something timeless? Geothermal energy. The heat beneath our feet has inspired scientists throughout recorded history. GTO's latest reflection of this came last week with the release of the Geothermal Resources’ Value in Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) funding opportunity. This opportunity will pave the way for stakeholders to continue expanding geothermal research, helping us bring this clean, renewable energy to more people nationwide—a celebration for the ages!
The beauty of geothermal is that it is a constant resource yet an ever-growing field—we’re always making new discoveries and advancing our understanding. In GTO’s current work, one such example is the exciting update from the team at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE), where a second successful well stimulation has major implications for widescale enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) deployment. Geothermal is also part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE’s) new Affordable Home Energy Shot™, which will address the persistent energy burdens faced by low-income households and communities of color. Our recent quarterly webinar covered this and much more—check out the presentation and transcript for all our exciting announcements. Suffice it to say, geothermal is aging gracefully and only improving with time.
With summer right around the corner, things will certainly be “heating up” around GTO. I’m excited for everyone to see the hard work we’ve been putting in—and I couldn’t be prouder of my team.
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Lauren Boyd
GTO Director
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Trivia Question: What phenomena gets geothermal researchers shaking with excitement?
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GTO's Latest
Coming in Hot: GTO GRID Funding Aims to Demonstrate Geothermal’s Value in Decarbonization
A new funding opportunity of up to $7M released last week will support the development of regional grid models, quantifying the role of geothermal power in an equitable, decarbonized grid. The opportunity will help define the value of firm, flexible geothermal energy, which has the potential to power the equivalent of more than 65 million homes across the United States.
FORGE Announces Second Successful Well Stimulation
GTO’s FORGE has made a huge step forward in EGS power production. Almost two years to the day after their initial triumph, the team in Milford, Utah, announced they had completed their second successful well stimulation. This achievement was also the team’s first commercial-scale stimulation, bringing the possibility of replicable and widescale EGS deployment closer to reality.
TCF CLIMR Lab Call Announcement Puts Big Money Behind Clean Energy
DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) announced $41.4 million for 50 projects focused on clean energy solutions across 17 national laboratories. The funding, part of DOE’s FY24 Base Annual Appropriations Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) Core Laboratory Infrastructure for Market Readiness (CLIMR) Lab Call, is the largest such funding to date. As part of these selections, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will receive GTO funding for work to commercialize their high-temperature downhole generator for geothermal drilling.
U.S. Army’s Garrison Detroit Arsenal Drills Down
A new geothermal energy installation is underway at the U.S. Army’s Garrison Detroit Arsenal thanks to the Federal Geothermal Partnerships initiative. The collaboration is providing geotechnical analysis that can help the site better meet its energy needs.
Drilling preparations underway at the U.S. Army’s Detroit Arsenal
GCC 2023 Winners Keep the Energy Going in Partnership with Osage Nation
The University of Oklahoma team that took home first prize in the Technical Track of the 2023 Geothermal Collegiate Competition (GCC) held a community event to present their innovative heating and cooling solution for the Osage Nation’s 40,000-square-foot greenhouse. Working directly with the Tribe and assessing their immediate needs, the students led this instrumental collaboration to help advance energy sovereignty for the Osage Nation.
Are you a student interested in initiating your own geothermal study—and maybe winning some cash for it? GCC 2024 registration opens in August!
(Left to right): Vagif Mammadzada, Cesar Vivas, Nabe Konate, Jose Aramendiz, and Gurban Hasanov present at their Geothermal Collegiate Competition stakeholder engagement event.
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Headlines Around DOE
ETIPP 2024 Applications Due July 17
DOE’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) is accepting applications for the 2024 cycle. In coordination with NREL, ETIPP provides coastal, remote, and island communities the ability to become self-reliant using clean, affordable energy options based on their unique geography.
DOE Supports Tribal Transition to Clean Energy
DOE’s Western Area Power Administration and national laboratories are leading the solicitation of carbon pollution-free renewable energy credits from Tribal majority-owned businesses. Tribal energy development is an important part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to run the government on 100% clean power by 2030 while simultaneously providing Tribes with sustainable solutions for their reservation-based economies.
Over $26M to be Released Through Energy Efficiency Program
Announced May 1, the fifth installment of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program formula awards will be split across nine states, 27 local governments, and one Tribe. The EECBG Program supports communities looking to reduce energy use and improve efficiency while curbing fossil fuel emissions and connects to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
Applications for the next round of funding are due October 31, 2024, for eligible local governments and May 31, 2025, for Tribes.
IEDO Issues RFI for Emissions Study
DOE’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) has released a request for information to inform their new study, Pathways for U.S. Industrial Transformations: Unlocking American Innovation. Open to stakeholders across relevant fields, the RFI is intended to gather data that will provide cost-effective strategies to zero out greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector by 2050.
Geothermal industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit responses; submissions are due no later than June 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
OTT Voucher Program Reopens, New Opportunities Added
OTT announced the reopening of five voucher opportunities (VOs) and the addition of two new VOs to reduce barriers to clean energy adoption. An additional $15M is available for the two new VOs to support manufacturers. This brings the program’s total allotment to $25M in just under a year, with over 100 entities—many of which are small businesses, non-traditional partners, and organizations from underrepresented communities—already receiving funding and third-party assistance to help bring impactful clean energy technologies to market. The submission window for all seven open VOs closes July 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
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Domestic Content Bonus Webinar | June 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. ET
Are you a stakeholder in the solar, wind, hydropower, or storage industry? Have questions about the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content bonus? Join experts from the U.S. Department of Treasury and DOE for a chance to learn about how new developments will make it easier for developers to purchase domestic products.
American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium | June 23‒26, 2024
Hosted by the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, the 2024 ARMA Symposium includes technical sessions, workshops, and short courses featuring the latest advances in rock mechanics and geomechanics. As an added bonus, GTO’s Kevin Jones will be speaking at a plenary session.
EUCI Online Conference: Applications of Geothermal Heat Pumps | July 17, 2024, 9:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET
Join GTO’s Alexis McKittrick as she highlights the importance of our mission, presents analytics, and provides insight into our project portfolio during this one-day, virtual intensive on the efficacy of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with experts from across the energy sector to discuss innovative techniques from design to installation.
Geothermal Rising Conference (GRC) | October 27-30, 2024
Early bird registration is now open for GRC 2024 in Waikoloa, Hawai'i! Attendees will spend their days discussing all things geothermal with representatives from academia, government, and industry, as well as (we hope!) visiting the GTO booth.
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In Case You Missed It
TREAS Report Details Savings for Heat Pump Installations
The U.S. Department of Treasury (TREAS) released a report showcasing the substantial savings homeowners and renters can expect by installing heat pumps, including GHPs. In a series of case studies published last month, TREAS estimated that Americans taking advantage of rebates and tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act could save hundreds of dollars a year with this clean energy upgrade to their heating and cooling systems, and in some cases, cover the entire cost of the system installation.
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