Reports show that the U.S. could increase its geothermal electricity capacity.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $171.5 million in funding to support “next-generation” tests for electricity generation and exploration under President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy executive order. The awards will go to applicants who are ready to complete field test geothermal systems and drill for hydrothermal resource “characterization/confirmation.”
“Work under this opportunity will directly support our commitments to advance energy addition, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and unleash American energy dominance and innovation,” said Assistant Secretary Kyle Haustveit of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office.
He added that this initiative would help the U.S. “realize the enormous potential of geothermal to spur domestic manufacturing, enable data center growth, and provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions nationwide.”
Applicants’ letters of intent are due by March 27, with final applications due April 30. The department noted that the United States is a world leader in geothermal electricity capacity, at approximately four gigawatts, but that analysis shows the potential for at least three hundred by 2050.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Chris Wright to seek the Lord’s guidance as he manages the Energy Department and its agencies.
- For Assistant Secretary Haustveit and DOE officials as they review the applicants for the new funding program.
- For U.S. geothermal electricity industry applicants as they craft plans for potential funding.
Sources: Department of Energy
