HR-8790 — Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

YourVoice.Now Summary

Workers & JobsEnvironmentCorporate BenefitsTransparency & Accountability

Nothing you'd notice day to day — $150 million a year for deeper, hotter geothermal research through 2031.

Workers & Jobs

Training programs for geothermal workers — funded through a new research center

The Energy Department would fund a center that trains people for geothermal jobs. It would work with schools, companies, and Tribal and local governments.

Environment

Federal research into next-generation geothermal power — $150 million a year through 2031

Today's plants tap natural hot water. The newer kinds use closed loops of fluid, or far deeper and hotter rock. The bill would start a research program. One federal test site would have to handle the new work within a year.

Deep test wells to map heat — drilling data shared publicly

The Interior Department could order deep wells drilled in different parts of the country. They would measure heat and rock far underground. The results would go into a public database.

Money left for other clean-energy programs — geothermal funding comes out of it

The $150 million a year is not new money. It would come from what Congress already allows for the Energy Department's clean-energy office. That office also pays for solar, wind, and efficiency work.

Corporate Benefits

Federal grants to geothermal companies — up to 80% of project costs

The Energy Department would have to fund work on drilling gear, well design, and sensing tools. Companies with hands-on field experience would get priority. The government could pay up to four-fifths of the cost.

Transparency & Accountability

Public database of underground drilling data — mining and oil data added

The Energy Department already keeps a file of geothermal drilling records. The bill would add underground data from mining and oil work. That data is public now, but hard to find. Maps and standard formats would be required.

Updates to the national geothermal survey — required every four years

Today the law tells the U.S. Geological Survey to update its national geothermal estimate, but sets no schedule. The bill would set a four-year cycle, add five U.S. territories, and drop the survey's open-ended funding line.

Study of geothermal water use — due to Congress within five years

Geothermal power needs water. How much the newer systems would need is not well known. The report would compare that with other power plants. It would also look at water that is salty or not safe to drink.

More about this bill

You would not notice this in your daily life or your power bill. It would pay for research into a newer way of making electricity from underground heat. That means deeper, hotter wells and closed loops of fluid underground. Geothermal supplies about 0.4 percent of U.S. electricity today, so any effect on power supply is far off. The Energy Department would run a new research program for these systems. It could also give grants to companies and universities, with the government covering up to 80 percent of some project costs. The plan calls for $150 million a year from 2027 through 2031. It would come out of funding Congress already allows for the department's clean-energy office. Support would also go to test sites, a public data library, and worker training.

Congressional Summary

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development ActThis bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of next-generation geothermal systems, such as closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to modify and establish geothermal energy programs, such as programs concerning research and development, grants, and data management.DOE must support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for next-generation geothermal systems. DOE may administer grants for carrying out certain focus areas of the program. DOE must also ensure that at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field research site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing.Additionally, DOE must provide grants for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites; and (2) the establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.DOE must also provide grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies to improve the commercial-readiness of geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.DOE must expand its repository of geothermal drilling information to include publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations. DOE must also periodically update the repository to improve its functionality and usability.The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in certain areas to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.

Legislative Subjects

Alternative and renewable resourcesElectric power generation and transmissionEnergy researchGeography and mappingGovernment lending and loan guaranteesGovernment studies and investigationsTechnology transfer and commercializationWater use and supply

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: House
Status: summarized
Action: Introduced in House
Action Date: 2026-05-13
Date Added: 2026-07-18
Source: Congress.gov →

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