The U.S. Department of Energy unveiled a funding opportunity offering up to $74 million for pilot projects examining the efficiency and scalability of enhanced geothermal systems.
The projects, conducted under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will utilize cutting-edge technology and multiple development methods to harness Earth's vast heat resources in a variety of geological surroundings, according to a Feb. 8 news release.
“Advances in enhanced geothermal systems will help introduce geothermal energy in regions where, until recently, the use of this renewable power source was thought to be impossible,” DOE Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said in the release. “These pilot demonstrations will help us realize the enormous potential of the heat beneath our feet to deliver clean, renewable energy to millions of Americans.”
Through this investment, the DOE hopes to prove the growth potential of geothermal energy and its ability to provide constant, uninterrupted electricity to tens of millions of homes across the United States, the release reported.
Currently, geothermal energy generates about 3.7 gigawatts of electricity in the U.S., but recent research suggests it could provide up to 90 gigawatts of reliable power to the country's grid by 2050, as well as nationwide heating and cooling. This potential is, however, largely unreachable with current geothermal technologies, according to the release
The focus of enhanced geothermal systems is on making geothermal energy a clean and affordable energy source for the entire country, the release reported. EGS use man-made underground reservoirs to allow fluid flow, enabling the extraction of geothermal energy and its usage in powering homes.
The funding for the pilot projects will be received through multiple rounds, with the deadline for the first round of letters of intent set for March 8, and the deadline for first-round applications set for June 16, according to the release.
This move will spur progress toward U.S. President Joe Biden's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the release reported.
