Usually in my director’s letter, I highlight events or seasonal happenings, along with updates and exciting news from the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO). Those elements are in the newsletter, like our geothermal heat pump case study yearbook and news from the Geothermal INTERN program and I hope you’ll read through for more info. For this director’s letter, though, I want to highlight something different: community and family—specifically, the family we get to choose. 

As many of you may know, GTO is mourning the recent passing of our colleague and friend George Stutz. George was a project officer supporting our enhanced geothermal systems program—a talented former oil and gas engineer with an innate curiosity, a passion for understanding how things work, and a desire to make the world better. His pioneering ideas, quest for answers, and unwavering humility were assets to the many GTO projects he led, including our collaboration with Cornell on their CUBO project, our partnership with the University of Oklahoma to generate heat and power for a neighboring school, and our GEODE initiative. But George was more than a talented engineer; he was a member of GTO’s family. His passing leaves a void that our team will feel acutely for a long time to come. 

I wanted to use this month’s letter to honor George and his irreplaceable personal and professional contributions, and to acknowledge the grief my team and I are facing. Because grief is often a time of reflection, I also wanted to touch on some thoughts about the importance of community and the meaning of “family.”  

GTO is committed to growing geothermal to its full potential, and we work hard at that every day. However, for me, one of the great things about the geothermal community right now is that it’s still small enough to feel a bit like family. We know one another; we are in the same figurative trenches; we are working hard to make an impact and meet goals alongside people we care about and respect.  

Even as geothermal gets big and the industry grows, I hope the heart of our community stays small. I hope we never lose sight of the human value of the work we do, the importance of being good to one another, and the fact that we are in this together, doing the best we can to achieve world-changing things. Above all, George was humble and generous, and despite always having one or many pathways to a solution in mind, he was always willing to listen to different viewpoints and search for a middle ground. I hope we carry on that legacy and that we do it with dignity and grace, because the world is watching. 

GTO and many in our shared community lost a friend and family member in George; a caring, compassionate colleague who put his heart into his work and could inspire laughter at will with his contagious chuckle and his rebellious wit. And the geothermal industry lost a gifted, dedicated engineer with huge hopes for the future of geothermal energy. Thank you all for being part of the family that will continue—together—towards that shared goal.  

GTO’s new Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Case Study Yearbook features 19 studies that detail GHP installations in climate zones across the United States. The yearbook provides information for understanding more about these systems, considerations for installing them, and the cost savings and environmental benefits they offer. 

A new cohort of geothermal interns is stepping into this hot career field! The Geothermal INTERN opportunity, a collaboration between GTO and the National Science Foundation’s INTERN program, supports a diverse community of graduate students forming the next generation of the growing geothermal workforce. Read more about the second cohort and what they bring to the geothermal table. 

 

GTO-Funded Project Receives R&D 100 Award 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) received 14 R&D 100 awards, including one for GTO-funded Technology Commercialization Fund research on sorbents for direct lithium extraction. R&D 100 winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony in November. 

Partnerships to Accelerate Training and Hiring for Geothermal Heat Pumps Prize 

GTO plans to launch the Partnerships to Accelerate Training and Hiring for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP PATHs) Prize in early 2025. The prize aims to catalyze regional, outreach-focused partnerships to improve GHP workforce pipeline development. Follow the challenge on HeroX for updates. 

The Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed an agreement to continue the project through 2028, allowing Utah FORGE to build on the significant breakthroughs that have been realized since the site’s inception. The agreement includes $66 million in federal funding and over $16 million in cost share over the next four years. 

New Utility and Grid Operator Technical Assistance Available from DOE 

DOE has three new, no-cost technical assistance opportunities available to utilities and grid operators: Key Assist provides utilities and grid operators with financial support over two years; rolling technical assistance provides utilities and grid operators subject matter expertise from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other DOE labs; and the Utility Planning Resources for Energy Transition Resource webinar series is kicking off this fall to provide resources to help utilities address critical challenges. Learn more and apply today. 

$17 Million to Support State and Local Clean Energy Projects and Programs  

DOE announced its latest round of award recipients through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. One of the selected projects in Whittier, CA, will develop a Municipal Operations Energy Plan and conduct energy-efficiency upgrades in municipal buildings, including installing a GHP in a city-owned building.  

OCED Announces New Funding for America’s Rural and Remote Communities 

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) opened applications for the FY25 Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) funding opportunity. The opportunity provides up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused, clean energy solutions for rural and remote communities across the United States. The deadline for concept papers is February 27, 2025.   

Provide Feedback on Draft Circularity Strategic Framework 

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is requesting public comments on its draft strategic framework on Circularity for Secure and Sustainable Products and Materials. Learn more about the Request for Information and how to respond. 

DOE’s Justice Week 2024 | Equity in Action 

Justice Week 2024: Equity in Action will spotlight the work DOE is doing to advance energy justice and equity. Join virtual events October 22–24 to learn how intentional action can drive significant change toward a more equitable, clean, and just energy transition. 

 

DOE Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 

DOE celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) with a focus on the 2024 theme of “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” A hybrid ceremony at DOE Headquarters and online recognized Hispanic people who have been trailblazers and paved the way for future generations to succeed.  

New York City NY-GEO 2024

October 22–23, 2024 

GTO’s staff are attending and presenting at NY-GEO’s 2024 New York City event, which will convene GHP stakeholders for keynote addresses, educational sessions, and exhibits. 

GTO Quarterly Webinar 

In September, GTO hosted its third quarterly webinar of 2024 which included discussion of the second NSF-DOE INTERN cohort, updates on the Geothermal Collegiate Competition, and the most recent critical minerals project selections. You can access the presentation and transcript on the GTO website. 

New Opportunity Funds Non-Profit Educational Organizations to Grow Clean Energy Workforce 

DOE has announced the Clean Energy Careers for All (CEC4A) program, aimed at developing a diverse clean energy workforce, which will award nearly $3 million to non-profit educational organizations to support programs that promote awareness and interest in clean energy careers.

GTO Discusses Geothermal Energy Benefits and Opportunities in LAF Webinar 

In August, GTO’s Elisabet Metcalfe was a featured panelist for the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s (LAF) renewable energy crash course for landscape architects. You can watch the recording and access presentation materials on the LAF website.