The Geo POWER Act aims to advance next-generation geothermal electricity generation by establishing a new Milestone-Based Geothermal Demonstration Program. This program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced geothermal technologies in diverse geological regions across the United States, particularly focusing on areas with limited or no existing geothermal electricity generation. A primary goal is to overcome the significant upfront capital costs associated with geothermal exploration and drilling, thereby de-risking future projects and generating public data to inform future development. Under this program, the Secretary of Energy will award innovative financing through a competitive process to geothermal projects in low-permeability and impermeable reservoirs, based on the achievement of technical and financial milestones. Priority will be given to projects that support the collection and dissemination of public data to characterize new geothermal resources, catalyze future private investment, and have the potential for at least 30 megawatts of electricity generation capacity. The Act mandates that financing be awarded to at least three different proposals in at least three different states and to at least three different project sponsors, ensuring broad impact and innovation.
The Geo POWER Act aims to advance next-generation geothermal electricity generation by establishing a new Milestone-Based Geothermal Demonstration Program. This program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced geothermal technologies in diverse geological regions across the United States, particularly focusing on areas with limited or no existing geothermal electricity generation. A primary goal is to overcome the significant upfront capital costs associated with geothermal exploration and drilling, thereby de-risking future projects and generating public data to inform future development. Under this program, the Secretary of Energy will award innovative financing through a competitive process to geothermal projects in low-permeability and impermeable reservoirs, based on the achievement of technical and financial milestones. Priority will be given to projects that support the collection and dissemination of public data to characterize new geothermal resources, catalyze future private investment, and have the potential for at least 30 megawatts of electricity generation capacity. The Act mandates that financing be awarded to at least three different proposals in at least three different states and to at least three different project sponsors, ensuring broad impact and innovation.