In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of three projects to receive up to $60 million for demonstrating enhanced Geothermal systems (EGS) efficacy and scalability. These pilot projects, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will utilize innovative technology and various development techniques to harness the earth’s heat resources. They aim to showcase Geothermal Energy’s potential in delivering reliable, cost-effective electricity to millions of U.S. homes and businesses, aligning with the President’s target of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035. Furthermore, they align with DOE’s Enhanced Geothermal Energy Shot objectives, aiming to reduce EGS costs by 90% within the same timeframe.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the significance of these initiatives in advancing Geothermal Energy across regions where this renewable resource has not been utilized before. With substantial investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these pilot demonstrations are expected to unlock the full potential of Geothermal Energy, contributing to carbon emission reduction, job creation, and the provision of clean, reliable energy nationwide.
Projects
The three selected projects Geothermal Energy are:
1. Chevron New Energies
This EGS pilot in Sonoma County, California, will employ innovative drilling and stimulation techniques to access Geothermal Energy near an existing field.
2. Fervo Energy
Located in the Milford Renewable Energy Corridor in Utah, this pilot aims to generate at least 8 megawatts of power from each of three wells, with no existing commercial Geothermal Energy production.
3. Mazama Energy
This project in Oregon will demonstrate a super-hot EGS on the western flank of Newberry Volcano, operating at temperatures above 375°C, advancing the necessary science for extreme heat conditions.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen three projects to receive up to $60 million to demonstrate enhanced Geothermal systems (EGS) efficacy and scalability in support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. These pilot projects, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will utilize innovative technology and development techniques to harness the earth’s heat resources. Their goal is to showcase Geothermal Energy’s potential in providing reliable, cost-effective electricity to millions of U.S. homes and businesses, aligning with the President’s aim of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035. Additionally, they align with DOE’s Enhanced Geothermal Energy Shot objectives, aiming to reduce EGS costs by 90% within the same timeframe.
