[House Report 118-880]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress } { Rept. 118-880
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { Part 1
======================================================================
SUPERCRITICAL GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
_______
December 16, 2024.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Westerman, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 8665]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 8665) to amend the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities in support
of supercritical geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems
in supercritical various conditions, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an
amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Supercritical Geothermal Research and
Development Act''.
SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
(a) In General.--The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is
amended--
(1) in section 612 (42 U.S.C. 17191; relating to
definitions)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9);
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following
new paragraph:
``(8) Supercritical geothermal.--The term `supercritical
geothermal' means energy derived from a subsurface rock
resource in-situ existing at or above the supercritical
conditions of the primary fluid present.'';
(2) in section 613 (42 U.S.C. 17192; relating to hydrothermal
research and development), by striking ``advanced geologic
tools to assist'' and inserting ``advanced tools, including
machine learning algorithms, to assist'';
(3) in section 614 (42 U.S.C. 17193; relating to general
geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in paragraph (1) of subsection (d), by striking
``among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,'' and inserting
``across the Department''; and
(B) in subsection (h)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and
publicly available subsurface data, including
data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining
operations,'' after ``geothermal drilling
information''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end
the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Updates.--The repository established under
paragraph (1) shall be periodically updated in order to
carry out the following:
``(i) Standardize data in a uniform manner to
the maximum extent practicable and enable
analysis across different projects.
``(ii) Enhance the accessibility and
usability of data to increase analysis of
geothermal energy, including enhanced, closed-
loop, and supercritical geothermal, on
regional, local, and site-specific scales.
``(iii) Increase uses of data, including data
viewable by map and organization by common
attributes such as region.
``(iv) Make other improvements in
functionality and usability, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(D) Memorandum of understanding.--The Secretary
shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the
Secretary of the Interior, along with the heads of
other relevant Federal departments, for (to the maximum
extent practicable) notifying, sharing, and providing
opportunities for additional data collection regarding
shared geothermal development data from projects funded
by each such department, including data from mining,
critical minerals, and energy projects, such as
subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology data,
boundaries of State and federally protected areas, and
existing transmission capacity.
``(E) Regional data probes.--The Secretary of the
Interior may, in consultation with the Secretary,
commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal
exploration boreholes in representative geological
provinces in the United States to provide control
points for deep heat mapping and geothermal
development. The resulting data shall include an
exploration of heat, lithology, and strain profiles,
and shall be shared publicly on the repository
established under paragraph (1).
``(F) Geologic investigations of forge deep drill
sites.--The Secretary of the Interior shall, in
consultation with the Secretary and to the maximum
extent practicable, conduct a geologic investigations
of FORGE deep drill sites. The Secretary of the
Interior shall make the information collected from such
investigation available on the repository established
under paragraph (1).
``(G) Study on site selection characteristics for
supercritical geothermal.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary,
conduct a study on site selection characteristics in
representative geological provinces in the United
States, including the United States territories of
American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical
geothermal.'';
(4) in section 615 (42 U.S.C. 17194; relating to enhanced
geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(ii) in paragraph (12), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(13) the research topics specified in paragraphs (1)
through (12) in supercritical conditions.'';
(B) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(8) Supercritical next generation geothermal testing.--Not
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be
necessary to ensure that at least one FORGE site has the
capabilities to include supercritical geothermal testing and,
if practicable and technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal
systems in supercritical conditions.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e) Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development Program.--
``(1) In general.--Within the Geothermal Technologies Office
of the Department, the Secretary shall, in consultation with
the Secretary of the Interior, support a program of
supercritical geothermal research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application activities and, if practicable and
technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal systems in
supercritical conditions.
``(2) Focus areas.--
``(A) In general.--The program described in paragraph
(1) shall focus on the following topics:
``(i) Well completion.
``(ii) Permeability creation and management,
including proppants and packers.
``(iii) Materials development and equipment
design, including power production, specific to
supercritical geothermal systems.
``(iv) Sensor development.
``(v) Water-rock geochemistry.
``(vi) Rock properties.
``(vii) Hard rock and deep drilling.
``(viii) Any other topics the Secretary
determines necessary.
``(B) Administration.--The Secretary may administer
grants to universities and private sector entities to
carry out activities on the topics specified in
subparagraph (A) and, to the maximum extent
practicable, share data, results, and information
publicly.
``(3) Report on water use.--Not later than five years after
the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report on the following:
``(A) Water use and estimated needs of enhanced
geothermal systems.
``(B) Water use and estimated needs for closed-loop,
and superhot geothermal energy production.
``(4) Next generation geothermal center of excellence.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award
grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed process,
to National Laboratories (as such term is defined in
section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
15801)), multi-institutional collaborations, or
institutes of higher education (or consortia thereof)
for the following:
``(i) The continuation and expansion of
research, development, demonstration, testing,
and commercial application activities
applicable to FORGE sites.
``(ii) The establishment of a next-generation
geothermal center of excellence.
``(B) Location.--In selecting institutions of higher
education for a center referred to in subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:
``(i) Whether the institution hosts an
existing geothermal energy research and
development program.
``(ii) Whether the institution has proven
technical expertise to support geothermal
energy research.
``(iii) Whether the institution has access to
geothermal resources.
``(C) Purpose.--The center referred to in
subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among existing FORGE
sites, the Department, and National Laboratories to
carry out the following:
``(i) Advance research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of
enhanced geothermal energy technologies,
including supercritical geothermal
technologies, in response to industry and
commercial needs, including by partnering with
other academic or research institutions,
industry, non-governmental organizations, and
State, local, or Tribal governments.
``(ii) Foster collaboration for education,
research, and partnership initiatives in order
to support the technology, deployment, and
workforce needs of the United States geothermal
energy industry, including a focus on enhanced,
closed-loop, and supercritical geothermal
systems.
``(iii) Support workforce development across
the enhanced geothermal energy development
lifecycle.
``(iv) Provide educational, technical, and
analytical assistance on enhanced geothermal
systems to Federal agencies, industry, and
State, local, and Tribal governments.
``(v) Collect and disseminate information on
best practices in all areas relating to
developing and managing geothermal energy
resources and energy systems, including
enhanced, closed-loop, and supercritical
geothermal.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subsection.'';
and
(5) in section 617 (42 U.S.C. 17196; relating to organization
and administration of programs)--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on
Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the
Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior,
submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate a report that contains the following:
``(1) A description of the maximum potential of geothermal
resources in the United States.
``(2) Information relating to the results of projects
undertaken under this section.
``(3) An assessment of the barriers to commercialization of
enhanced, closed-loop, and supercritical geothermal
technologies.
``(4) Such other information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.''.
(b) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of
1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)--
(i) by inserting ``quadrennially'' before
``update'';
(ii) in subparagraph (1)(D)(ii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing regions
of the United States, including the United States territories
of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with significant potential for
supercritical geothermal.''; and
(B) by striking subsection (d).
(2) First update.--The first quadrennial update to the
geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States
Geological Survey under subsection (c) of section 2501 of the
Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by paragraph (1), shall
be completed by not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Purpose of the Legislation
The purpose of H.R. 8665 is to amend the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities in support of supercritical geothermal and closed-
loop geothermal systems in supercritical various conditions,
and for other purposes.
Background and Need for Legislation
Supercritical geothermal is an experimental technology that
requires deep drilling to access dry rocks at temperatures
around 400+C or greater. Water or other liquids are then
injected at depths of 4 kilometers or deeper and, utilizing
natural heat deep within the Earth's crust, returned to the
surface at supercritical conditions to power a turbine and
generate energy.\1\ If commercialized, supercritical geothermal
has the potential to produce energy at significantly higher
capacities compared to conventional geothermal systems.\2\ The
Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that next-generation
geothermal technologies including supercritical geothermal
could provide 90 GW or more of clean firm power to the U.S.
grid by 2050.\3\
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\1\https://science.house.gov/_cache/files/e/e/eebed5c7-3784-4b3b-
b0c5-04c5456dfa77/8600498DE7 130020CA43490E64B3ACBA.h.r.-8665-one-page-
summary.pdf.
\2\Id.
\3\https://liftoff.energy.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/
LIFTOFF_DOE_NextGen_Geothermal_ v14.pdf.
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H.R. 8665 establishes a supercritical geothermal research
program at DOE and provides grant opportunities for
supercritical geothermal technologies. The bill also requires
DOE and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to enter a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) on geothermal data collection
and analysis, and directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to
update its national geothermal resource assessment within 2
years of enactment. Next, H.R. 8665 directs DOI to identify
potential sites for supercritical geothermal in the U.S. and
U.S. territories and conduct geologic investigations of DOE's
(FORGE) deep drill sites. Lastly, the bill permits DOI, in
consultation with DOE, to commission the drilling of
exploration boreholes to provide control points for
supercritical heat mapping and geothermal development. H.R.
8665 authorizes $5 million for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030 using existing funds from DOE's Geothermal
Technologies Office (GTO).
Committee Action
H.R. 8665 was introduced on June 7, 2024, by Rep. Frank
Lucas (R-OK). The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on
Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill was also referred to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. On July 23, 2024,
the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing
on the bill. On November 20, 2024, the Committee on Natural
Resources met to consider the bill. The Subcommittee on Energy
and Mineral Resources was discharged from further consideration
of H.R. 8665 by unanimous consent. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN)
offered an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute designated
Stauber ANS_02. The amendment in the nature of a substitute was
agreed to by voice vote. The bill, as amended, was ordered
favorably reported to the House of Representatives by voice
vote.
Hearings
For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the
following hearing was used to develop or consider this measure:
hearing by the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held on July 23, 2024.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
Designates the bill as the ``Supercritical
Geothermal Research and Development Act''.
Section 2. Geothermal energy
Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development
(Section 2(a))
Amends the Energy Independence and Security
Act of 2007, directing DOE to establish a supercritical
geothermal research program within the existing
Geothermal Technologies Office.
Directs DOE to award grants for the
continuation and expansion of activities applicable to
FORGE sites, ensuring that at least one FORGE site has
the capabilities to include testing of supercritical
geothermal or closed-loop geothermal system in
supercritical conditions within one year of enactment.
Mandates that the Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior,
provide progress reports to related House and Senate
Committees on supercritical energy development every
two years starting one year after enactment.
Authorizes $5 million for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2030 using existing funds from DOE's GTO.
Requires that the Secretary of Energy to enter
into a MOU with the Secretary of the Interior on
geothermal data collection and analysis.
Authorizes DOI, in consultation with DOE, to
commission the drilling of exploration boreholes to
provide control points for supercritical heat mapping
and geothermal development. Next, directs DOI, in
consultation with DOE, to conduct geologic
investigations of FORGE deep drill sites and make its
findings publicly available. Lastly, orders DOI to
conduct site selection studies for supercritical
geothermal energy in representative geological
provinces in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment (Section
2(b))
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992,
directing USGS to update its national geothermal
resource assessment within 2 years of enactment, with
quadrennial updates thereafter.
Directs USGS, to the maximum extent
practicable, to assess regions of the U.S. and U.S.
territories with significant potential for
supercritical geothermal.
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
Rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
Compliance With House Rule XIII and
Congressional Budget Act
1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act.
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of House rule XIII and section
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, and pursuant to
clause 3(c)(3) of House rule XIII and section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has requested
but not received from the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office a budgetary analysis and a cost estimate of this bill.
2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or
objective of this bill is to amend the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities in support
of supercritical geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems
in supercritical various conditions, and for other purposes.
Earmark Statement
This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Statement
An estimate of federal mandates prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act was not made available to the
Committee in time for the filing of this report. The Chair of
the Committee shall cause such estimate to be printed in the
Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee, if such
estimate is not publicly available on the Congressional Budget
Office website.
Existing Programs
Directed Rule Making. This bill does not contain any
directed rule makings.
Duplication of Existing Programs. This bill does not
establish or reauthorize a program of the federal government
known to be duplicative of another program. Such program was
not included in any report from the Government Accountability
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139
or identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program
Information Act (Public Law 95-220, as amended by Public Law
98-169) as relating to other programs.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Preemption of State, Local or Tribal Law
Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the
U.S. Constitution.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle B--Geothermal Energy
* * * * * * *
SEC. 612. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this subtitle:
(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.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
means any of the following entities:
(A) An institution of higher education.
(B) A National laboratory.
(C) A Federal research agency.
(D) A State research agency.
(E) A nonprofit research organization.
(F) An industrial entity.
(G) A consortium of 2 or more entities
described in subparagraphs (A) through (F).
(3) Enhanced geothermal systems.--The term ``enhanced
geothermal systems'' means geothermal reservoir systems
that are engineered, as opposed to occurring naturally.
(4) Geofluid.--The term ``geofluid'' means any fluid
used to extract thermal energy from the Earth which is
transported to the surface for direct use or electric
power generation, except that such term shall not
include oil or natural gas.
(5) Geopressured resources.--The term ``geopressured
resources'' mean geothermal deposits found in
sedimentary rocks under higher than normal pressure and
saturated with gas or methane.
(6) Geothermal.--The term ``geothermal'' refers to
heat energy stored in the Earth's crust that can be
accessed for direct use or electric power generation.
(7) Hydrothermal.--The term ``hydrothermal'' refers
to naturally occurring subsurface reservoirs of hot
water or steam.
(8) Supercritical geothermal.--The term
``supercritical geothermal'' means energy derived from
a subsurface rock resource in-situ existing at or above
the supercritical conditions of the primary fluid
present.
[(8)] (9) Systems approach.--The term ``systems
approach'' means an approach to solving problems or
designing systems that attempts to optimize the
performance of the overall system, rather than a
particular component of the system.
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] advanced tools, including machine learning
algorithms, 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. 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;
(2) support a research program to identify potential
environmental impacts, including induced seismicity,
and environmental benefits of geothermal energy
development, production, and use, and ensure that the
program described in paragraph (1) addresses such
impacts, including water use and 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,]
across the Department 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 surface technologies, large- and small-scale
drilling, and well construction.
(e) Coproduction of Geothermal Energy and Minerals Production
Research and Development Initiative.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
research and development initiative under which the
Secretary shall provide financial assistance to
demonstrate the coproduction of critical minerals from
geothermal resources.
(2) Requirements.--An award made under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) improve the cost effectiveness of
removing minerals from geothermal brines as
part of the coproduction process;
(B) increase recovery rates of the targeted
mineral commodity;
(C) decrease water use and other
environmental impacts, as determined by the
Secretary; and
(D) demonstrate a path to commercial
viability.
(f) Flexible Operations.--The Secretary shall support a
research initiative on flexible operation of geothermal power
plants.
(g) Integrated Energy Systems.--The Secretary shall identify
opportunities for joint research, development, and
demonstration programs between geothermal systems and other
energy generation or storage systems.
(h) Drilling Data Repository.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation
with the Secretary of the Interior, establish and
operate a voluntary, industry-wide repository of
geothermal drilling information and publicly available
subsurface data, including data reported as part of
fossil fuel and mining operations, to lower the cost of
future geothermal drilling.
(2) Repository.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall collaborate with
countries utilizing a significant amount of
geothermal energy, as determined by the
Secretary.
(B) Data system.--The repository established
under paragraph (1) shall be integrated with
the National Geothermal Data System.
(C) Updates.--The repository established
under paragraph (1) shall be periodically
updated in order to carry out the following:
(i) Standardize data in a uniform
manner to the maximum extent
practicable and enable analysis across
different projects.
(ii) Enhance the accessibility and
usability of data to increase analysis
of geothermal energy, including
enhanced, closed-loop, and
supercritical geothermal, on regional,
local, and site-specific scales.
(iii) Increase uses of data,
including data viewable by map and
organization by common attributes such
as region.
(iv) Make other improvements in
functionality and usability, as
determined by the Secretary.
(D) Memorandum of understanding.--The
Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of
understanding with the Secretary of the
Interior, along with the heads of other
relevant Federal departments, for (to the
maximum extent practicable) notifying, sharing,
and providing opportunities for additional data
collection regarding shared geothermal
development data from projects funded by each
such department, including data from mining,
critical minerals, and energy projects, such as
subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology
data, boundaries of State and federally
protected areas, and existing transmission
capacity.
(E) Regional data probes.--The Secretary of
the Interior may, in consultation with the
Secretary, commission the drilling of
supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes
in representative geological provinces in the
United States to provide control points for
deep heat mapping and geothermal development.
The resulting data shall include an exploration
of heat, lithology, and strain profiles, and
shall be shared publicly on the repository
established under paragraph (1).
(F) Geologic investigations of forge deep
drill sites.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall, in consultation with the Secretary and
to the maximum extent practicable, conduct a
geologic investigations of FORGE deep drill
sites. The Secretary of the Interior shall make
the information collected from such
investigation available on the repository
established under paragraph (1).
(G) Study on site selection characteristics
for supercritical geothermal.--The Secretary of
the Interior shall, in consultation with the
Secretary, conduct a study on site selection
characteristics in representative geological
provinces in the United States, including the
United States territories of American Samoa,
Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical
geothermal.
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, institutions of higher
education, and the national laboratories, 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) drilled, non-stimulated (e.g. closed-loop)
reservoir technologies;
(3) reservoir characterization, monitoring, and
modeling and understanding of the surface area and
volume of fractures;
(4) stress and fracture mapping including real time
monitoring and modeling;
(5) tracer development;
(6) three and four-dimensional seismic imaging and
tomography;
(7) well placement and orientation;
(8) long-term reservoir management;
(9) drilling technologies, methods, and tools;
(10) improved exploration tools;
(11) zonal isolation; [and]
(12) understanding induced seismicity risks from
reservoir engineering and stimulation[.]; and
(13) the research topics specified in paragraphs (1)
through (12) in supercritical conditions.
(c) Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support the
establishment and construction of up to 3 field
research sites, 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.
(2) Duties.--The Secretary shall--
(A) provide financial assistance in support
of research and development projects focused on
advanced monitoring technologies, new
technologies and approaches for implementing
multi-zone stimulations, nonstimulation
techniques, 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, including coordination between
FORGE sites.
(3) 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;
(B) prioritize existing field sites and
facilities with capabilities relevant to the
duties enumerated under this subsection;
(C) determine the mission need for and
potential location of subsequent FORGE sites
following the completion of construction and
one year of operation of two FORGE sites; and
(D) ensure geologic diversity among FORGE
sites when developing subsequent sites, to the
maximum extent practicable.
(4) Existing forge sites.--A FORGE site already in
existence on the date of enactment of this Act may
continue to receive support.
(5) Site operation.--
(A) Initial duration.--FORGE sites selected
under paragraph (3) shall operate for an
initial term of not more than 7 years after the
date on which site operation begins.
(B) Performance metrics.--The Secretary shall
establish performance metrics for each FORGE
site supported under this paragraph, which may
be used by the Secretary to determine whether a
FORGE site should continue to receive funding.
(6) Additional terms.--
(A) In general.--At the end of an operational
term described in subparagraph (B), a FORGE
site may--
(i) be transferred to other public or
private entities for further enhanced
geothermal testing; or
(ii) subject to appropriations and a
merit review by the Secretary, operate
for an additional term of not more than
7 years.
(B) Operational term described.--An
operational term referred to in subparagraph
(A)--
(i) in the case of an existing FORGE
site, is the existing operational term;
and
(ii) in the case of new FORGE sites
selected under paragraph (3), is the
initial term under paragraph (5)(A) or
an additional term under subparagraph
(A)(ii) of this paragraph.
(7) Funding.--
(A) In general.--Out of funds authorized to
be appropriated under section 623, there shall
be made available to the Secretary to carry out
the FORGE activities under this paragraph--
(i) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
(ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal year
2022;
(iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year
2023;
(iv) $70,000,000 for fiscal year
2024; and
(v) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(B) Considerations.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall consider the
balance between funds dedicated to construction
and operations and research activities to
reflect the state of site development.
(8) Supercritical next generation geothermal
testing.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall take
such actions as may be necessary to ensure that at
least one FORGE site has the capabilities to include
supercritical geothermal testing and, if practicable
and technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal
systems in supercritical conditions.
(d) Enhanced Geothermal Systems Demonstrations.--
(1) In general.--Beginning on the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary, in collaboration with
industry partners, institutions of higher education,
and the national laboratories, shall support an
initiative for demonstration of enhanced geothermal
systems for power production or direct use.
(2) Projects.--
(A) In general.--Under the initiative
described in paragraph (1), 4 demonstration
projects shall be carried out in locations that
are potentially commercially viable for
enhanced geothermal systems development, while
also considering environmental impacts to the
maximum extent practicable, as determined by
the Secretary.
(B) Requirements.--Demonstration projects
under subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) collectively demonstrate--
(I) different geologic
settings, such as hot
sedimentary aquifers, layered
geologic systems, supercritical
systems, and basement rock
systems; and
(II) a variety of development
techniques, including open hole
and cased hole completions,
differing well orientations,
and stimulation and
nonstimulation mechanisms; and
(ii) to the extent practicable, use
existing sites where subsurface
characterization or geothermal energy
integration analysis has been
conducted.
(C) Eastern demonstration.--Not fewer than 1
of the demonstration projects carried out under
subparagraph (A) shall be located an area east
of the Mississippi River that is suitable for
enhanced geothermal demonstration for power,
heat, or a combination of power and heat.
(D) Milestone-based demonstration projects.--
The Secretary may carry out demonstration
projects under this subsection as a milestone-
based demonstration project under section 9005
of the Energy Act of 2020.
(3) Funding.--Out of funds authorized to be
appropriated under section 623, there shall be made
available to the Secretary to carry out the
demonstration activities under this subsection
$21,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
(e) Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development
Program.--
(1) In general.--Within the Geothermal Technologies
Office of the Department, the Secretary shall, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior,
support a program of supercritical geothermal research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities and, if practicable and technically
feasible, closed-loop geothermal systems in
supercritical conditions.
(2) Focus areas.--
(A) In general.--The program described in
paragraph (1) shall focus on the following
topics:
(i) Well completion.
(ii) Permeability creation and
management, including proppants and
packers.
(iii) Materials development and
equipment design, including power
production, specific to supercritical
geothermal systems.
(iv) Sensor development.
(v) Water-rock geochemistry.
(vi) Rock properties.
(vii) Hard rock and deep drilling.
(viii) Any other topics the Secretary
determines necessary.
(B) Administration.--The Secretary may
administer grants to universities and private
sector entities to carry out activities on the
topics specified in subparagraph (A) and, to
the maximum extent practicable, share data,
results, and information publicly.
(3) Report on water use.--Not later than five years
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural
Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
a report on the following:
(A) Water use and estimated needs of enhanced
geothermal systems.
(B) Water use and estimated needs for closed-
loop, and superhot geothermal energy
production.
(4) Next generation geothermal center of
excellence.--
(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award
grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed
process, to National Laboratories (as such term
is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), multi-
institutional collaborations, or institutes of
higher education (or consortia thereof) for the
following:
(i) The continuation and expansion of
research, development, demonstration,
testing, and commercial application
activities applicable to FORGE sites.
(ii) The establishment of a next-
generation geothermal center of
excellence.
(B) Location.--In selecting institutions of
higher education for a center referred to in
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider
the following criteria:
(i) Whether the institution hosts an
existing geothermal energy research and
development program.
(ii) Whether the institution has
proven technical expertise to support
geothermal energy research.
(iii) Whether the institution has
access to geothermal resources.
(C) Purpose.--The center referred to in
subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among
existing FORGE sites, the Department, and
National Laboratories to carry out the
following:
(i) Advance research, development,
demonstration, and commercial
application of enhanced geothermal
energy technologies, including
supercritical geothermal technologies,
in response to industry and commercial
needs, including by partnering with
other academic or research
institutions, industry, non-
governmental organizations, and State,
local, or Tribal governments.
(ii) Foster collaboration for
education, research, and partnership
initiatives in order to support the
technology, deployment, and workforce
needs of the United States geothermal
energy industry, including a focus on
enhanced, closed-loop, and
supercritical geothermal systems.
(iii) Support workforce development
across the enhanced geothermal energy
development lifecycle.
(iv) Provide educational, technical,
and analytical assistance on enhanced
geothermal systems to Federal agencies,
industry, and State, local, and Tribal
governments.
(v) Collect and disseminate
information on best practices in all
areas relating to developing and
managing geothermal energy resources
and energy systems, including enhanced,
closed-loop, and supercritical
geothermal.
(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030
to carry out this subsection.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 617. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAMS.
(a) Federal Share.--The Federal share of costs of projects
funded under this subtitle shall be in accordance with section
988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
(b) Organization and Administration of Programs.--Programs
under this subtitle shall incorporate the following elements:
(1) The Secretary shall coordinate with, and where
appropriate may provide funds in furtherance of the
purposes of this subtitle to, other Department of
Energy research and development programs focused on
drilling, subsurface characterization, and other
related technologies.
(2) The Secretary shall coordinate and consult with
the appropriate Federal land management agencies in
selecting proposals for funding under this subtitle.
(3) Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to
alter or affect any law relating to the management or
protection of Federal lands.
(c) Education and Outreach.--In carrying out the activities
described in this subtitle, the Secretary shall support
education and outreach activities to disseminate information on
geothermal energy technologies and the geothermal energy
workforce, including activities at the Frontier Observatory for
Research in Geothermal Energy site or sites.
(d) Technical Assistance.--In carrying out this subtitle, the
Secretary shall also conduct technical assistance and analysis
activities with eligible entities for the purpose of supporting
the commercial application of advances in geothermal energy
systems development and operations, which may include
activities that support expanding access to advanced geothermal
energy technologies for rural, Tribal, and low-income
communities.
(e) Report.--Every 5 years after the date of enactment of
this subsection, the Secretary shall report to the [Committee
on Science and Technology] Committee on Science, Space, 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.
[(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this subsection, 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.]
(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this subsection and every two years
thereafter, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior, submit to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a
report that contains the following:
(1) A description of the maximum potential of
geothermal resources in the United States.
(2) Information relating to the results of projects
undertaken under this section.
(3) An assessment of the barriers to
commercialization of enhanced, closed-loop, and
supercritical geothermal technologies.
(4) Such other information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
* * * * * * *
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ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992
* * * * * * *
TITLE XXV--COAL, OIL, AND GAS
SEC. 2501. HOT DRY ROCK GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
(a) Definition of Enhanced Geothermal Systems.--In this
section, the term ``enhanced geothermal systems'' has the
meaning given the term in section 612 of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191).
(b) USGS Program.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting
through the United States Geological Survey, and in
consultationwith the Secretary of Energy, shall establish a
cooperative Government-private sector program with respect to
hot dry rock geothermal energy resources on public lands (as
such term is defined in section103(e) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976) and lands managed by the
Department of Agriculture, other thanany such public or other
lands that are withdrawn from geothermal leasing. Such program
shall include, but shall not be limited to,activities to
identify, select, and classify those areas throughout the
United States that have a high potential for hot dry
rockgeothermal energy production and activities to develop and
disseminate information regarding the utilization of such areas
for hotdry rock energy production. Such information may include
information regarding field test processes and techniques for
assuring thathot dry rock geothermal energy development
projects are developed in an economically feasible manner
without adverse environmental consequences. Utilizing the
information developed by the Secretary,together with
information developed in connection with otherrelated programs
carried out by other Federal agencies, the Secretary, acting
through the United States Geological Survey, may also enter
into contracts and cooperative agreements with any public or
private entity to provide assistance to any such entity to
enablesuch entity to carry out additional projects with respect
to theutilization of hot dry rock geothermal energy resources
which willfurther the purposes of this section.
(c) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--The Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological
Survey, and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall
quadrennially update the 2008 United States geothermal resource
assessment carried out by the United States Geological Survey,
including--
(1) with respect to areas previously identified by
the Department of Energy or the United States
Geological Survey as having significant potential for
hydrothermal energy or enhanced geothermal systems
energy, by focusing on--
(A) improving the resolution of resource
potential at systematic temperatures and
depths, including temperatures and depths
appropriate for power generation and direct use
applications;
(B) quantifying the total potential to
coproduce geothermal energy and minerals;
(C) incorporating data relevant to
underground thermal energy storage and
exchange, such as aquifer and soil properties;
and
(D) producing high resolution maps,
including--
(i) maps that indicate key subsurface
parameters for electric and direct use
resources; and
(ii) risk maps for induced seismicity
based on geologic, geographic, and
operational parameters; [and]
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, by
coordinating with relevant State officials and
institutions of higher education to expand geothermal
assessments, including enhanced geothermal systems
assessments, to include assessments for the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the States of Alaska
and Hawaii[.]; and
(3) to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing
regions of the United States, including the United
States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern
Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, with significant potential for supercritical
geothermal.
[(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this section.]
* * * * * * *