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

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Geothermal, has issued the funding opportunity DE-FOA-0003472 to support the advancement of geothermal energy technologies through field-scale testing and resource characterization. The opportunity, titled “Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation,” is designed to catalyze innovation in geothermal development and expand the geographic and technological reach of geothermal energy in the United States. The program’s purpose stems from DOE’s ongoing commitment to pushing the frontiers of science and engineering in clean energy and builds on priorities laid out in the GeoVision Roadmap and the Geothermal Technologies Office’s Multi-Year Program Plan. This funding opportunity is structured around six topic areas, though only Topic Areas 1 and 6 are open during this cycle. Topic Area 1 supports Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) field tests at locations suitable for future electricity production. Topic Area 6 focuses on drilling to explore and confirm next-generation and hydrothermal resources with promising potential. Projects under Topic Area 1 are eligible for $10–$25 million in funding, while Topic Area 6 projects can receive between $4–$8 million. Across both topic areas, a total of $171.5 million is anticipated to be distributed, subject to the availability of appropriations. DOE plans to award between 12 and 28 cooperative agreements, with project durations ranging from one to five years. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% cost share. The grant is open to a wide array of U.S.-based entities including higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. DOE and non-DOE federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) may participate under specified conditions. Foreign entities may apply only with a waiver and justification demonstrating economic benefit to the United States and robust safeguards for information protection. All work must be performed in the U.S., unless a foreign work waiver is granted. DOE strictly prohibits participation from Entities of Concern as defined by federal statutes. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by March 27, 2026, and full applications by April 14, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE portal. Pre-application requirements include registering with SAM.gov, obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and ensuring compliance with eXCHANGE system standards. Application materials must include a technical volume, budget documentation, and supplementary materials such as resumes and letters of commitment. An informational webinar may be offered, though attendance is not required. DOE encourages multidisciplinary teams and mandates inclusion of a designated “information officer” to manage local stakeholder engagement. Evaluation criteria include the technical merit and innovation of the proposed work, team qualifications, work plan feasibility, and potential for near-term geothermal deployment. Additional programmatic considerations include geographic diversity and cost share reasonableness. Successful applicants will receive notice of selection by July 30, 2026, with award negotiations expected to be finalized by September 30, 2026. The anticipated performance period begins October 1, 2026, and runs through September 30, 2031. This NOFO may remain open for up to six years, with additional review cycles likely occurring annually as funds allow. The long-term goal is to establish a portfolio of proven geothermal field projects that inform commercial development and increase U.S. geothermal capacity.

Highlight team capability, technical soundness, and stakeholder outreach strategy.