Stimulate Utilization of Plentiful Energy in Rocks through High-temperature Original Technologies (SUPERHOT)

The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), part of the U.S. Department of Energy, has issued the SUPERHOT funding opportunity to support transformative research and development of geothermal energy technologies. ARPA-E was established to advance high-impact energy technologies that could improve U.S. energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure continued American leadership in science and technology. This funding opportunity aligns with ARPA-E’s mission by seeking to unlock the vast potential of superhot geothermal resources through innovative approaches to well construction and subsurface heat extraction. The SUPERHOT program (Stimulate Utilization of Plentiful Energy in Rocks through High-temperature Original Technologies) targets the development of technologies that enable geothermal energy production from superhot reservoirs, defined as those exceeding 375°C and 22 MPa. These resources, which exist beneath much of the Earth's surface, remain largely untapped due to extreme environmental conditions and current technological limitations. The program supports the development of robust, cost-effective wells and systems capable of operating in these harsh conditions for a minimum of 15 years while producing competitive baseload electricity at a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $30/MWh. ARPA-E has structured the program into two main categories. Category 1 focuses on the design and construction of superhot geothermal wells, including enhanced versions of traditional well designs (Subcategory 1.1), novel well architectures (Subcategory 1.2), and experimental and numerical testing infrastructure (Subcategory 1.3). Category 2 focuses on the extraction of heat from superhot reservoirs, including both fracture-based systems (Subcategory 2.1) and non-fracture-based systems such as closed-loop or advanced geothermal systems (Subcategory 2.2). Proposals must address relevant metrics such as target temperatures and pressures, well lifetime, flow rates, and expected power output per well pair. This funding opportunity offers approximately $30 million in total across two related NOFOs (DE-FOA-0003556 and DE-FOA-0003557), with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $10 million. ARPA-E anticipates making 5–15 awards under this NOFO. Cost sharing is generally required at a base level of 20% of total project cost, although certain types of applicants such as small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions may qualify for reduced requirements or grace periods. Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total project cost. Additionally, at least 5% of ARPA-E funding must be used for Technology Transfer and Outreach (TT&O) activities. The submission process begins with a mandatory Concept Paper due by February 19, 2025, following which ARPA-E will issue Encourage/Discourage notifications. Full Applications are due by March 5, 2026, and must include several required components such as a technical volume, budget justification, biosketches, and disclosures. All applicants must register in required systems such as SAM.gov and ARPA-E eXCHANGE. Evaluation will be based on technical merit, project impact, responsiveness to program goals, and overall project execution strategy. Applications will also be reviewed for potential risk and alignment with ARPA-E's program policy factors. Questions must be submitted by February 23, 2026, and responses to reviewer comments are due by March 31, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by April 2026, with a performance period anticipated to run from July 2026 through July 2029. For assistance, applicants may contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Recurrence of this opportunity is likely, as it is part of ARPA-E’s broader geothermal innovation initiatives. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all requirements carefully and to collaborate with testing facilities and experts in geothermal technologies.

Focus on high-impact, disruptive technology; justify cost and technical performance clearly; align with superhot geothermal targets.