Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Geothermal Technologies, has issued a funding opportunity titled "Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation" under Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003472. This initiative represents a significant commitment by DOE to advancing cutting-edge geothermal energy technologies that can play a critical role in expanding clean energy production across the United States. The funding supports field-scale geothermal research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects that explore both enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and hydrothermal technologies. The opportunity is aligned with DOE’s strategic goals articulated in the GeoVision Roadmap and the Office of Geothermal’s Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP), which emphasize learning-by-doing and addressing the “valley of death” in technology commercialization. The primary objective of this NOFO is to fund and support large-scale geothermal field tests that validate next-generation geothermal technologies under real-world conditions. Projects will be expected to explore a wide range of geothermal approaches, including drilling and well development, reservoir stimulation and monitoring, and data collection to support characterization and confirmation of geothermal resources. The overarching goal is to derisk technologies and approaches, enabling eventual private-sector investment in commercial-scale geothermal power projects. Topic Area 1 focuses on EGS field tests for electric power generation, while Topic Area 6 targets drilling for the exploration and confirmation of new geothermal resources, both enhanced and conventional hydrothermal. All other topic areas are currently closed. The available funding totals up to $171.5 million, subject to appropriations, with Topic Area 1 offering between $10 million and $25 million per award and Topic Area 6 offering between $4 million and $8 million per award. Each award requires a minimum cost share of 20% from non-federal sources. The performance period ranges from 12 to 60 months, with projects expected to include elements such as drilling, stimulation, flow testing, stakeholder engagement, and workforce reporting. Specific requirements include disclosure of all fluids used in subsurface activities, compliance with the DOE protocol for induced seismicity, and dedicated outreach personnel to engage communities near project sites. The DOE emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary teams with strong technical and project management capabilities. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based organizations such as institutions of higher education, for-profits, nonprofits, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Foreign entities may apply only with an approved waiver. All work must be conducted within the United States unless a waiver is granted. The opportunity encourages collaboration between industry, academia, national laboratories, and local stakeholders, and requires the inclusion of junior investigators to promote mentorship and workforce development. Entities debarred or ineligible for federal awards are explicitly prohibited. To apply, applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by March 27, 2026, followed by a complete application by April 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the DOE’s eXCHANGE portal (https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov), and all required registrations—including SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier—must be completed in advance. Detailed application components include a technical volume, project management plan, budget justifications, and required disclosures related to foreign affiliations, environmental impact, and workforce continuity. DOE will evaluate submissions based on technical merit, team qualifications, cost share, potential for learning, and project impact. Following submission, DOE anticipates notifying selected applicants by July 30, 2026, with awards made by September 30, 2026. The program allows for awards to be made over a five-year period beginning in October 2026, and includes an annual review cycle for future submissions. This makes the opportunity effectively recurring, though selection remains competitive. Recipients are expected to participate in DOE evaluation and reporting activities, including quarterly workforce reports, milestone tracking, and public dissemination of technical data through the DOE’s Geothermal Data Repository. In summary, this NOFO represents a robust federal investment in de-risking and scaling up next-generation geothermal technologies through comprehensive field testing. It is aimed at reducing technical uncertainty, catalyzing private-sector development, and contributing significantly to the national goal of decarbonizing the power sector through secure, reliable, and scalable geothermal energy.

Ensure strong technical plans and stakeholder engagement; Include junior PI for mentorship and workforce development.