[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5374 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5374
To establish and support advanced geothermal research and development
programs at the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 10, 2019
Mr. Lucas (for himself and Ms. Johnson of Texas) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and
Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish and support advanced geothermal research and development
programs at the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced
Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Hydrothermal research and development.
Sec. 4. General geothermal systems research and development.
Sec. 5. Enhanced geothermal systems research and development.
Sec. 6. Cost sharing and proposal evaluation.
Sec. 7. Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and
development.
Sec. 8. Geothermal workforce development.
Sec. 9. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 10. Repeals.
Sec. 11. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 12. International geothermal energy development.
Sec. 13. Reauthorization of High Cost Region Geothermal Energy Grant
Program.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
Section 612(1) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(42 U.S.C. 17191(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Engineered.--When referring to enhanced geothermal
systems, the term `engineered' means designed to access
subsurface heat, including stimulation and nonstimulation
technologies to address one or more of the following issues:
``(A) Lack of effective permeability, porosity or
open fracture connectivity within the heat reservoir.
``(B) Insufficient contained geofluid in the heat
reservoir.
``(C) A low average geothermal gradient which
necessitates deeper drilling, or the use of alternative
heat sources or heat generation processes.''.
SEC. 3. HYDROTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 613 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17192) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 613. HYDROTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
geothermal energy production from hydrothermal systems.
``(b) Programs.--The program authorized in subsection (a) shall
include the following:
``(1) Advanced hydrothermal resource tools.--The research
and development of advanced geologic tools to assist in
locating hydrothermal resources, and to increase the
reliability of site characterization, including the development
of new imaging and sensing technologies and techniques to
assist in prioritization of targets for characterization;
``(2) Exploratory drilling for geothermal resources.--The
demonstration of advanced technologies and techniques of siting
and exploratory drilling for undiscovered resources in a
variety of geologic settings, carried out in collaboration with
industry partners that will assist in the acquisition of high
quality data sets relevant for hydrothermal subsurface
characterization activities''.
SEC. 4. GENERAL GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 614 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17193) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 614. GENERAL GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) Subsurface Components and Systems.--The Secretary shall
support a program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application of components and systems capable of
withstanding geothermal environments and necessary to develop, produce,
and monitor geothermal reservoirs and produce geothermal energy.
``(b) Environmental Impacts.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) support a program of research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of technologies and
practices designed to mitigate or preclude potential adverse
environmental impacts of geothermal energy development,
production or use; and
``(2) support a research program to identify potential
environmental impacts and environmental benefits of geothermal
energy development, production, and use, and ensure that the
program described in paragraph (1) addresses such impacts,
including effects on groundwater and local hydrology;
``(3) support a program of research to compare the
potential environmental impacts and environmental benefits
identified as part of the development, production, and use of
geothermal energy with the potential emission reductions of
greenhouse gases gained by geothermal energy development,
production, and use; and
``(4) in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, consult with relevant Federal
agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
``(c) Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage.--The Secretary shall
support a program of research, development, and demonstration of
reservoir thermal energy storage, emphasizing cost-effective
improvements through deep direct use engineering, design, and systems
research.
``(d) Oil and Gas Technology Transfer Initiative.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support an
initiative among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the private sector
to research, develop, and demonstrate relevant advanced
technologies and operation techniques used in the oil and gas
sector for use in geothermal energy development.
``(2) Priorities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall prioritize technologies with the greatest
potential to significantly increase the use and lower the cost
of geothermal energy in the United States, including the cost
and speed of geothermal drilling.
``(3) Coproduction of geothermal energy and minerals
production research and development initiative.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
research and development initiative under which the
Secretary shall award grants to demonstrate the
coproduction of critical minerals from geothermal
resources.
``(B) Requirements.--An award made under
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) improve the cost effectiveness of
removing minerals from geothermal brines as
part of the coproduction process;
``(ii) increase recovery rates of the
targets mineral commodity;
``(iii) decrease water use and other
environmental impacts, as determined by the
Secretary; and
``(iv) demonstrate a path to commercial
viability.''.
SEC. 5. ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 615 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17194) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 615. ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall support a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
enhanced geothermal systems, including the programs described in
subsection (b).
``(b) Enhanced Geothermal Systems Technologies.--In collaboration
with industry partners, the Secretary shall support a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of the
technologies to achieve higher efficiency and lower cost enhanced
geothermal systems, including--
``(1) reservoir stimulation;
``(2) reservoir characterization, monitoring, and modeling;
``(3) stress and fracture mapping including real time
monitoring and modeling;
``(4) tracer development;
``(5) three and four-dimensional seismic imaging and
tomography;
``(6) well placement and orientation;
``(7) long-term reservoir management;
``(8) drilling technologies, methods, and tools;
``(9) improved exploration tools;
``(10) zonal isolation; and
``(11) understanding induced seismicity risks from
reservoir engineering and stimulation.
``(c) Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy.--The
Secretary shall support the establishment and construction of up to 3
field research sites operated by public or academic entities, which
shall each be known as a `Frontier Observatory for Research in
Geothermal Energy' or `FORGE' site to develop, test, and enhance
techniques and tools for enhanced geothermal energy.
``(1) Duties.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) award grants in support of research and
development projects focused on advanced monitoring
technologies, new technologies and approaches for
implementing multi-zone stimulations, and dynamic
reservoir modeling that incorporates all available
high-fidelity characterization data; and
``(B) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and
share information with domestic and international
partners engaged in research and development of
geothermal systems and related technology.
``(2) Site selection.--Of the FORGE sites referred to in
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
``(A) consider applications through a competitive,
merit-reviewed process, from National Laboratories,
multi-institutional collaborations, institutes of
higher education and other appropriate entities best
suited to provide national leadership on geothermal
related issues and perform the duties enumerated under
this subsection; and
``(B) prioritize existing field sites and
facilities with capabilities relevant to the duties
enumerated under this subsection.
``(3) Funding.--Out of funds authorized to be appropriated
under section 11 of the `Advanced Geothermal Research and
Development Act of 2019', there shall be made available to the
Secretary to carry out the FORGE activities under this
paragraph--
``(A) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
``(B) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(C) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(D) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and
``(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider the
balance between funds dedicated to construction and operations
and research activities to reflect the state of site
development.
``(4) Enhanced geothermal systems demonstrations.--
``(A) In general.--Beginning on the date of
enactment of the `Advanced Geothermal Energy Research
and Development Act of 2019', the Secretary, in
collaboration with industry partners and institutions
of higher education, shall support an initiative for
demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems for power
production or direct use.
``(B) Projects.--
``(i) In general.--Under the initiative
described in subparagraph (A), demonstration
projects shall be carried out in locations that
are commercially viable for enhanced geothermal
systems development, while also considering
environmental impacts to the maximum extent
practicable, as determined by the Secretary.
``(ii) Requirements.--Demonstration
projects under clause (i) shall--
``(I) collectively demonstrate--
``(aa) different geologic
settings, such as hot
sedimentary aquifers, layered
geologic systems, supercritical
systems, and basement rock
systems; and
``(bb) a variety of
development techniques,
including open hole and cased
hole completions, differing
well orientations, and
stimulation mechanisms; and
``(II) to the extent practicable,
use existing sites where subsurface
characterization or geothermal energy
integration analysis has been
conducted.
``(iii) Eastern demonstration.--Not less
than 1 demonstration project carried out under
clause (i) shall be located in an area east of
the Mississippi River that is suitable for
enhanced geothermal demonstration for power,
heat, or a combination of power and heat.''.
SEC. 6. COST SHARING AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION.
Section 617(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(42 U.S.C. 17196) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and
redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3),
respectively.
SEC. 7. ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL COMPUTING AND DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 618 of the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17197) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 618. ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL COMPUTING AND DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research and development of advanced computing and data science tools
for geothermal energy.
``(b) Programs.--The program authorized in subsection (a) shall
include the following:
``(1) Advanced computing for geothermal systems
technologies.--Research, development, and demonstration of
technologies to develop advanced data, machine learning,
artificial intelligence, and related computing tools to assist
in locating geothermal resources, to increase the reliability
of site characterization, to increase the rate and efficiency
of drilling, to improve induced seismicity mitigation, and to
support enhanced geothermal systems technologies.
``(2) Geothermal systems reservoir modeling.--Research,
development, and demonstration of models of geothermal
reservoir performance and enhanced geothermal systems reservoir
stimulation technologies and techniques, with an emphasis on
accurately modeling heat flow, permeability evolution,
seismicity, and operational performance over time, including
collaboration with industry and field validation.
``(c) Coordination.--In carrying out these programs, the Secretary
shall ensure coordination and consultation with the Department of
Energy's Office of Science. The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum
extent practicable, coordination of these activities with the
Department of Energy National Laboratories, institutes of higher
education, and the private sector.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 note) is amended in the table
of contents by amending the item related to section 618 to read as
follows:
``Sec. 618. Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and
development.''.
SEC. 8. GEOTHERMAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 619 of the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17198) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 619. GEOTHERMAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
``The Secretary shall support the development of a geothermal
energy workforce through a program that--
``(1) facilitates collaboration between university students
and researchers at the national laboratories; and
``(2) prioritizes science in areas relevant to the mission
of the Department through the application of geothermal energy
tools and technologies.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 note) is amended in the table
of contents by amending the item related to section 619 to read as
follows:
``Sec. 619. Geothermal workforce development.''.
SEC. 9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 621 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17200) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 621. REPORTS.
``(a) Report.--Every 5 years after the date of enactment of
Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019 , the
Secretary shall report to the Committee on Science and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate on advanced concepts and technologies to
maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.
``(b) Progress Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the `Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of
2019', and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on
the results of projects undertaken under this part and other such
information the Secretary considers appropriate.''.
SEC. 10. REPEALS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle B of title VI of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191 et seq.) is amended by
striking section 620.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 note) is amended in the table
of contents by striking the item related to section 620.
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 623 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17202) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 623. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the programs under the `Advanced Geothermal Research and
Development Act of 2019'--
``(1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
``(2) $111,125,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(3) $122,250,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(4) $128,375,000 for fiscal year 2023; and
``(5) $129,500,000 for fiscal year 2024.''.
SEC. 12. INTERNATIONAL GEOTHERMAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT.
Section 624 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17203) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with
other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the
United States Agency for International Development) shall support
collaborative efforts with international partners to promote the
research, development, and demonstration of geothermal technologies
used to develop hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal system
resources.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c).
SEC. 13. REAUTHORIZATION OF HIGH COST REGION GEOTHERMAL ENERGY GRANT
PROGRAM.
Section 625 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42
U.S.C. 17204) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting `` or heat'' after
``electrical power''; and
(2) in subsection (e), to read as follows:
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds authorized
under section 11 of the `Advanced Geothermal Research and Development
Act of 2019', there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.''.
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