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| Photo Source: pexels-photo-5469873 Geothermal Energy |
DOE Requests Information on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments to Spur Growth in Geothermal Energy, A Source of Round-the-Clock Clean Power
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 19, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) today 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 U.S. has incredible, untapped geothermal potential
beneath our very feet, which can be harnessed to meet our energy demands with a
round-the-clock, clean renewable resource available across the country,”
said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Investments
within President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are allowing us to
incentivize access to that resource nationwide, while helping fossil
communities and workers leverage existing infrastructure and skills to
seamlessly transition to producing clean energy.”
EGS projects can significantly increase geothermal energy
deployment throughout the United States in both the electric and non-electric
sectors. Substantial and sustained investment, including in technology
development and demonstrations, is vital to ensure that the country can utilize
the untapped potential of EGS. electricity-generating capacity alone by 2050.
That’s the equivalent of approximately 8% of projected U.S.
electricity-generating capacity.
Accessing geothermal resources for energy production
requires fluid to flow through openings in rocks, thus facilitating recovery of
heat energy that is usually produced through hot water or steam. EGS projects
use manmade reservoirs to enable heat recovery for energy generation in areas
where geothermal resources exist but cannot be accessed using conventional
methods.
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.
Today’s announcement is a Request for Information and not a
Funding Opportunity Announcement. No applications are being accepted at this
time. Responses to the RFI must be submitted via email to BIL_EGSPilotDemos@ee.doe.gov by
5 p.m. ET on May 13, 2022. View the RFI in EERE
Exchange for more information.
Learn more about EGS’ potential and other geothermal
research in DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office.
