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Our Role at DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) works to reduce costs and risks associated with geothermal development by supporting innovative technologies that address key exploration and operational challenges.
About GTO
GTO News
Geothermal Everywhere: GTO Initiatives
Funding Opportunities
Contacts
Geothermal energy, which comes from the heat beneath our feet, is more vital than ever.
RENEWABLE – It supplies renewable power around the clock, emits little or no greenhouse gases, and has a small environmental footprint.
RELIABLE – Geothermal energy provides baseload power and delivers a high capacity factor—typically ~90%—meaning that geothermal power plants can operate at maximum capacity nearly all the time. This high capacity factor allows geothermal power generation to balance intermittent sources of energy like wind and solar, making it a critical part of the national renewable energy mix.
GTO Research Areas
Data, Modeling, and Analysis
GTO's Data, Modeling, and Analysis (DMA) program supports information gathering and sharing on all aspects of geothermal development—from resource assessments and drilling to project costs and timelines—to help identify and address barriers to geothermal adoption, assess technical progress across the geothermal sector, and prioritize research.
DMA Initiatives and Resources:
GRID (Value of Geothermal to the Grid)
Geothermal Data Repository (GDR)
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), or human-made geothermal energy, holds the potential to power the equivalent of more than 65 million American homes and businesses. GTO's EGS program supports projects that guide EGS technologies towards commercial viability.
EGS Initiatives:
Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE)
Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Demonstrated Engineering (GEODE)
Hydrothermal Resources
Hydrothermal resources, or conventional geothermal, can be harnessed to generate electricity. GTO’s Hydrothermal Resources program funds research, development, and demonstration projects to reduce the costs and risks of exploring and drilling for these resources.
Hydrothermal Initiatives:
Low Temperature and Coproduced Resources
GTO’s Low Temperature and Coproduced Resources program focuses on improving the efficiency of low-temperature geothermal systems (lower than 300°F/150°C). Low temperature geothermal resources can meet many energy needs, from heating and cooling to industrial processes like paper drying, greenhouses, and even beer brewing.
Low Temperature Initiatives:
News + Success Stories
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- Geothermal
- Geothermal Energy
Learn how the use of polycrystalline diamond compact drill bits is improving the geothermal drilling process. -
- Geothermal
- Geothermal Energy
- Electricity
Learn about GTO’s research in superhot rock enhanced geothermal systems and how it could help cut costs and expand geothermal energy access. -
- Geothermal
- Geothermal Energy
The Geothermal Technologies Office unveils GHP PATHs Prize to boost regional partnerships and strengthen the geothermal workforce.
Highlights
Geothermal Basics
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- Geothermal
- Geothermal Energy
- Heating & Cooling
- Heating
- Cooling
- Commercial Heating & Cooling
July 15, 2025 -
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Resources
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) collaborates on and develops several publications each year to inform and educate about advances in geothermal technology. -
Access portals, data sets, modeling tools, and more used by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) and its research partners to assess geothermal technology and its environmental, economic, and energy benefits. -
Explore GTO presentations from past workshops, webinars, and webcasts on various geothermal topics. -
Read our frequently asked questions and their answers to learn more about the use of geothermal energy.