United StatesNext-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
What it does
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.
More detail
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.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Latest
- Jul 20Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jul 20Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670)
- Jul 20DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790.
- Jul 20Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)Passed House
- Jul 20Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 16Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
- Jul 16Committee on Natural Resources discharged.Minor
- Jul 16Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655.
- May 20Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- May 20Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- May 13Introduced in House
- May 13Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Introduced