DOE launches $84M Program to Demonstrate Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems

The DOE has issued a request for information (RFI) to support $84 million in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) pilot demonstration projects included in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The legislation authorizes DOE to support four competitively selected pilot projects that demonstrate EGS in different types of geology. The demonstration projects will provide valuable information about EGS in the field and help spur further growth of geothermal energy — which has the potential to be a critical source of abundant, always-available zero-carbon energy and an opportunity for fossil communities to maintain economic stability by transitioning to producing clean energy. These demonstration projects could help advance DOE’s goals to deploy more than 60 gigawatts (GW) of geothermal electricity-generating capacity by 2050 — resulting in clean, reliable power for 129 million American homes and businesses, and contributing to President Biden’s goals for a net-zero emissions economy.

The RFI solicits feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on demonstration project attributes and outcomes that will most likely lead to successful EGS deployment in the future. DOE is also seeking suggestions for the possible structure of the demonstration projects, including how DOE’s investments can be most impactful in promoting workforce development, and environmental and energy justice through the EGS Pilot Demonstrations Program.