H.R. 8790 · Passed House · Energy

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

Sponsor: Pat Harrigan (R-NC)

What it does

• Direct the Department of Energy to establish and fund a research program for next-generation geothermal systems, including closed-loop and supercritical systems.
• Authorize DOE to award grants for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of next-generation geothermal technologies.
• Require at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site to be equipped for next-generation geothermal testing.
• Fund grants to expand FORGE site research activities and establish a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.
• Expand DOE's geothermal data repository to include publicly available subsurface information to support geothermal resource development.

Official summary

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act This 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…

Latest action

Jul 21, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources