$14.2 Million Announced Subsequently by US DOE For Enhanced Geothermal Pilot Projects

Unleashing the Power Beneath: The Second-Round EGS Pilot Demonstrations

image:wells of power at Kenyan Geothermal Field gushing steam

Geothermal energy is a game-changer in the quest for sustainable and reliable energy sources. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing the boundaries of this potential through its Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO). With the second round of funding opportunities for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) pilot demonstrations, authorized under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the future of geothermal energy looks brighter than ever. This initiative aims to catapult EGS into the mainstream, contributing significantly to the goal of a carbon pollution-free electricity system by 2035.

What Are Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)?

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) represent a cutting-edge approach to geothermal energy. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely on naturally occurring hydrothermal resources, EGS creates man-made geothermal reservoirs. By injecting fluid into hot rock formations, EGS enhances the permeability of these rocks, allowing heat to be extracted and converted into electricity or used for heating purposes.

The Second-Round Funding Opportunity

The second-round funding opportunity, identified as DE-FOA-0002826, comes with a substantial $14.2 million up for grabs. This initiative aims to support a variety of pilot projects that demonstrate EGS in different geologic settings. These projects will help advance EGS towards achieving DOE’s ambitious Enhanced Geothermal Shot™ and GeoVision analysis goals. The ultimate objective is to harness 90 gigawatts of domestic electricity-generating capacity by 2050, enough to power over 65 million American homes.

Key dates for this funding opportunity are:

- Letters of Intent Due: July 18, 2024

- Full Applications Due: September 25, 2024

- Selection Notifications: December 2024

- Award Negotiations: January 2025

Objectives and Benefits

The economic viability of EGS hinges on developing and improving technologies to understand the subsurface, including geological qualities and permeability. By supporting EGS pilot demonstrations, the DOE aims to:

Model Reliability and Performance: Prove the reliability and performance of EGS technologies, ultimately reducing risks associated with their development.

Learn-by-Doing: Utilize pilot projects to identify new challenges that might not be evident at smaller, lab-based scales.

Validate Design Approaches: Test hypotheses and validate design approaches tailored to specific geological conditions.

Standardize Best Practices: Establish best practices and general operational processes through collaboration.

Market Connection: Begin connecting with consumers and off-takers to understand their needs, helping define the market for geothermal energy.

Focus on the Eastern United States

The second-round funding opportunity is particularly focused on Topic Area 4, which seeks to demonstrate EGS at a well-characterized site in the eastern United States with potential for near-term electricity or thermal power production. This focus aims to diversify the geographic and geological applicability of EGS, paving the way for broader development and implementation.

Get Involved

If you're interested in this transformative opportunity, review the second-round FOA Quick Guide for eligibility details and application instructions. Explore the Teaming Partner List if you wish to form a partnership to apply

The second-round EGS pilot demonstrations represent a pivotal step towards unlocking the full potential of geothermal energy. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical implementation, these projects will not only drive technological advancements but also contribute significantly to the nation's clean energy goals. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking journey towards a sustainable energy future.

For more information and to stay updated, visit the Geothermal Technologies Office page on Energy.gov.

Source:Energy Gov

Connect With Us :Alphaxioms

Comments

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

Amsterdam Strikes Geothermal Gold: Hot, Thick, Permeable Reservoir Confirmed

Breakthrough Beneath the Beach: Amsterdam Region Hits Geothermal Paydirt at Strandeiland By: Robert Buluma The Netherlands just took a giant leap toward fossil-free heating. On the artificial island of Strandeiland (part of Amsterdam’s fast-growing IJburg district), the SCAN exploration well has officially confirmed what the geothermal community has been hoping for: a thick, hot, and , most importantly permeable reservoir in the Slochteren Formation. Key numbers that matter: Reservoir thickness: 152 meters Bottom-hole temperature: 66 °C Permeability: confirmed via successful production and injection tests That’s not screaming-hot by Icelandic standards, but for direct-use district heating in one of Europe’s densest urban areas, 66 °C is more than enough to supply thousands of homes with clean, baseload heat – forever. Why This Well Changes Everything for the Netherlands The Dutch government launched the SCAN program (Seismic Campaign Nethe...

INTERVIEW, Geretsried and Beyond: Eavor’s Blueprint for Reliable, Sustainable Energy

Robert Buluma : Alphaxioms Responses were provided by Jeanine Vany, Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Eavor . Can you explain the key technological advancements in the latest iteration of the Eavor-Loop™ system? We have made a number of technological advancements at our project in Geretsried Germany . This includes innovation and learning resulting in dramatic improvements in our drilling performance and we’re proud to talk about our technology. For example, Eavor recently announced successful implementation of our in-house AMR (active magnetic ranging) tool which makes drilling more accurate and efficient. Eavor-Link™ AMR uses magnetic ranging while drilling to maintain constant alignment as it drills two wells at approximately 100 metres apart before they are intersected to create a continuous geothermal loop, which is then sealed with Eavor’s proprietary Rock-Pipe™ formula. With real-time data transmission between downhole sensors, the technology ensures tighter bo...

Geothermal Projects In Africa, Countries Overview

Geothermal Projects in Africa: Country-wise Overview By : Robert Buluma Africa is increasingly turning to geothermal energy as a sustainable solution to meet its growing electricity demands. With abundant geothermal resources spread across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious projects to harness this clean and renewable energy source. Let's delve into the geothermal projects in various African countries, highlighting key players and prospects. Algeria Algeria is exploring its geothermal potential, particularly in the northern regions. Although in the early stages, initiatives are underway to assess feasibility and potential locations for geothermal power plants. Burundi Burundi has shown interest in developing its geothermal resources, primarily in the northwest region near Lake Tanganyika. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international firms to kickstart exploration and development efforts. Comoros The Comoros Islands are situated ...

Mercury, Contact Lead NZ's Supercritical Geothermal Energy Revolution

🌋 From the Ground Up: New Zealand’s Bold Leap into a Supercharged Geothermal Future By: Robert Buluma In the heart of New Zealand, beneath the rugged volcanic landscapes and steaming geysers, lies an energy revolution waiting to erupt. On July 30th, 2025, a powerful message echoed from the geothermal capital of the Southern Hemisphere — New Zealand is not just embracing its geothermal potential; it is preparing to unleash it. With the unveiling of the draft strategy titled From the Ground Up , the government, led by Minister Shane Jones for Resources and Regional Development, signaled a transformative shift in how the nation will harness the heat beneath its feet — and it's as ambitious as it is inspiring. 🔥 A Legacy Forged in Steam New Zealand’s geothermal story is deeply rooted in its identity. Long before turbines spun and power grids buzzed, Māori ancestors were using geothermal waters for warmth, healing, and cooking. Geothermal, or waiwhatu , is more than a resource — ...

Revolutionizing Renewable Energy: Texas Paves the Way for Closed-Loop Geothermal Innovation

Pioneering the Future of Geothermal Energy: Texas Leads the Way with Closed-Loop Systems By: Robert Buluma Vallourec's closed loop concept North of Houston, a transformative geothermal initiative is reshaping the energy sector. NOV, a key player in drilling and completions technology, has successfully completed an 11,500-foot closed-loop geothermal test well, marking a significant step forward in renewable energy development. This project highlights the growing potential of closed-loop geothermal (CLG) systems to redefine energy production. Ejen it comes to Geothermal,Innovation and Technology is key and we have seen alot of new findings lately. Unlocking New Possibilities in Geothermal Energy Unlike conventional geothermal systems that rely on naturally occurring underground water sources, CLG technology operates using a sealed system. A specialized heat transfer fluid circulates through a continuous loop, absorbing heat from deep underground rock formations and transporting it to...

Global Geothermal Insights: An Exclusive Interview with Drilling Engineer Sam Abraham

Global Geothermal Insights: Interview with Sam Abraham the Geothermal Global Technical Advisor at Halliburton This interview was done by Robert Buluma on 5th of November 7:30 Am EST At Alphaxioms , we are committed to uncovering the deeper truths behind geothermal energy , the drilling, the risks, the innovations, and the frontiers. Today we welcome Sam Abraham , a veteran drilling engineer whose global geothermal experience spans more than 25 years. From oil & gas beginnings to geothermal hotspots around the world, Sam shares his journey, insights, and advice for the next generation. Career Journey & Background Sam, could you tell us about your career path and what led you into geothermal drilling? I have a background in oil and gas — seven years since 1991. I served as a base manager in Jakarta for three years, and also worked a little in geothermal alongside oil & gas. In 2005 I moved to New Zealand, given its vast geothermal resources. Fro...

The $500 Billion Energy Revolution: How Geothermal is About to Change Everything

A Silent Energy Revolution is Underway Robert Buluma Image: Fumaroles emanating from the ground, a geothermal manifestation, credit: unsplash The global energy landscape is shifting. While solar and wind have dominated discussions on renewable energy, a new powerhouse is emerging geothermal energy . Backed by investments from tech giants, oil majors, and governments, geothermal is quietly positioning itself as the next trillion-dollar industry. With the potential to replace fossil fuels, reshape economies, and revolutionize energy grids , geothermal is no longer a niche sector it’s the future of energy . In this article, we’ll explore why geothermal energy is set to explode, the key players driving this shift, and how it could disrupt traditional energy markets . The Key Players Betting on Geothermal Geothermal energy is no longer just the domain of specialized companies. Big Tech, oil giants, and governments are now pouring billions into the sector, recognizing its potential...

Driving the UK Toward Net Zero: Chris Sladen on Geothermal’s Untapped Potential

Alphaxioms, we talked to Chris Sladen about his involvement in geothermal both in the UK, and globally By: Robert Buluma Chris, please begin by explaining a little about yourself, and why you have a passion for geothermal? I have spent over 45 years involved in energy. Following undergraduate studies in geology at Southampton University, and a PhD in sedimentology at Reading University, I joined the energy sector in Aberdeen in 1980. It was a fascinating era when it seemed like at least one giant oil & gas field was discovered offshore every month; the wealth creation for the UK was gigantic. I got to see so much geology and rocks - my true passion. I moved to China in late 1983; not today’s China, this was over 40 years ago, a country closed for decades and embarking on an open-door policy, in part to bring both investment and technology. I became very interested in energy trends, energy politics, and new geography created by changing politics leading to opportunities for ene...

Iceland’s Geothermal Revolution: Bjarni Pálsson to Lead Strategic Task Force Shaping the Nation’s Energy Future

Iceland Charts a Bold Geothermal Future: Bjarni Pálsson to Lead the Nation’s Strategic Task Force By Robert Buluma | October 30, 2025 Iceland — the land where fire meets ice — is once again positioning itself at the forefront of geothermal innovation. In a decisive move, Iceland’s Minister for Environment, Energy, and Climate , Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, has launched a new strategic initiative to redefine how the country harnesses its powerful geothermal resources — not just as an energy source, but as a national tool for growth, equality, and global leadership. At the helm of this vision stands Bjarni Pálsson , the President of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and Executive Director of Wind and Geothermal at Landsvirkjun , Iceland’s national power company. Pálsson will chair an expert task force charged with developing a forward-thinking roadmap for Iceland’s geothermal future — one that could once again set a global benchmark for sustainable energy. A Task Force of ...

ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Search This Blog