Photo credit: Dennis Schroeder
The United States has vast geothermal energy potential that can offer dependable, reliable, flexible power to Americans and create jobs and economic opportunities for communities and Tribal nations. To date, however, geothermal development has been hampered by challenges in locating, characterizing, and accessing subsurface systems.
To tackle these barriers, the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) is supporting a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) in 2025 for field data collection, including geophysics and exploratory drilling. This funding will support regional partnerships to advance geothermal resource assessment and exploration, improve engagement, and help build a pipeline of energy projects. Additionally, applicants will be encouraged to strengthen technical expertise through collaborations with educational and training programs at universities, trade schools, and labor organizations.
DOE anticipates supporting partnerships to execute the following categories of activities:
- Regional Data Acquisition and Analysis - New acquisition and publication of seismic, electromagnetic, and other geophysical, geological or geochemical data.
- Resource Characterization - Support for more localized project development activities.
- Data Dissemination - Efforts aimed at increasing availability, utilization, and discoverability of new and existing high-value datasets.
Partner organizations for this planned opportunity could include:
- State Geological Surveys or natural resource agencies
- Geothermal developers (includes both established players and newer startups)
- State Energy Offices
- Energy utilities
- Local governments
- Mining, oil and gas, or other firms involved in subsurface exploration (e.g., drilling or geophysical surveying)
- Landowners (both public and private) and permitting authorities
- Tribes, Native Corporations, and other organizations representing Indigenous peoples
- Large energy users
- Institutions of higher learning
- Community and ratepayer groups
- Military Installations
- New or existing consortia of the above
Additional Information
- The Informational Webinar and Objective Strategic Session, initially planned for January 27, 2025, has been postponed to a future, yet to be determined date. We will be back in touch with additional details as soon as possible.
- Visit the PIA website to stay updated through the ConnectWerx Network and/or the PIA Teaming List.
- Learn more about GTO’s hydrothermal research.
- Sign up for GTO email notifications and subscribe to our monthly Drill Down newsletter to stay current with the latest GTO news and funding opportunities.