The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Geothermal (OG) has announced a funding opportunity of up to USD 171.15 million to support next-generation geothermal field tests, as well as characterization and confirmation drilling for next-generation and conventional hydrothermal resources.
Letters of Intent for this funding opportunity are due by 27 March 2026. Applications can be made via the EERE Exchange platform.
Funding is being offered across two topic areas:
- USD 100 million for Topic 1 – Field-scale tests for next-generation geothermal at depths and temperatures appropriate for full-scale project deployment.
- USD 71.5 million for Topic 2 – Exploration drilling activities required to gather data to support the characterization and potential confirmation of promising next-generation geothermal and hydrothermal prospects for electrical power production.
For the purpose of this funding opportunity, the term “next-generation geothermal” refers to both enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and closed-loop geothermal technology spaces.
The OG anticipates making as many as 28 rounds for the first round of applications. Individual awards may range between USD 4 million and 25 million.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) may remain open for up to 72 months, with review cycles occurring approximately every 12 months, while funding lasts and subject to Congressional appropriations.
The funding opportunity aims to fulfill the objectives of the OG to support research, development, and demonstration projects to facilitate technology validation and demonstration, reduce cost, and improve performance for geothermal energy. This includes work to develop next-generation geothermal technologies, enable detailed understanding of the subsurface, and help the United States tap its abundant heat resources.
Source: US Department of Energy
