The United States has vast geothermal energy potential that can offer dependable, reliable, flexible power to Americans and create jobs and economic opportunities for communities and Tribal nations. To date, however, geothermal development has been hampered by challenges in locating, characterizing, and accessing subsurface systems.
To tackle these barriers, the Office of Geothermal is supporting a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) for field data collection, including geophysics and exploratory drilling. This funding supports regional partnerships to advance geothermal resource assessment and exploration, improve engagement, and help build a pipeline of energy projects. Additionally, regional partners will be encouraged to strengthen technical expertise through collaborations with educational and training programs at universities, trade schools, and labor organizations.
Activities supported by this initiative include:
- Regional Data Acquisition and Analysis - New acquisition and publication of seismic, electromagnetic, and other geophysical, geological or geochemical data.
- Resource Characterization - Support for more localized project development activities.
- Data Dissemination - Efforts aimed at increasing availability, utilization, and discoverability of new and existing high-value datasets.
Partner organizations involved with these projects cover a broad range, including:
- State Geological Surveys or natural resource agencies
- Geothermal developers (includes both established players and newer startups)
- State Energy Offices
- Energy utilities
- Local governments
- Mining, oil and gas, or other firms involved in subsurface exploration (e.g., drilling or geophysical surveying)
- Landowners (both public and private) and permitting authorities
- Tribes, Native Corporations, and other organizations representing Indigenous peoples
- Large energy users
- Institutions of higher learning
- Community and ratepayer groups
- Military Installations
- New or existing consortia of the above
Additional Information
- Visit the PIA website to learn more about the ConnectWerx Network.
- Learn more about the Office of Geothermal’s hydrothermal research.
- Sign up for Office of Geothermal email notifications and subscribe to our monthly Drill Down newsletter to stay current with the latest Office of Geothermal news and funding opportunities.