The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity of $171.5 million to support next-generation geothermal field-scale tests for both electricity generation and exploration drilling to support characterization and potential confirmation of promising geothermal prospects.
February 25, 2026
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Support for Field-Scale Tests and Exploration Drilling Can Help Advance Affordable, Reliable, Secure Geothermal Energy for American Homes and Businesses
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity of $171.5 million to support next-generation geothermal field-scale tests for both electricity generation and exploration drilling to support characterization and potential confirmation of promising geothermal prospects. The activities enabled by this opportunity will help deliver on President Trump’s Executive Order, Unleashing American Energy by advancing geothermal technology, innovation, and exploration, in turn supporting the potential for geothermal energy to provide affordable, reliable, around-the-clock domestic electricity to Americans nationwide.
“Work under this opportunity will directly support our commitments to advance energy addition, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and unleash American energy dominance and innovation,” said DOE Assistant Secretary of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Kyle Haustveit. “Thanks to President Trump's America First Energy Agenda, these demonstrations and drilling activities will help us realize the enormous potential of geothermal to spur domestic manufacturing, enable data center growth, and provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions nationwide.”
The funding opportunity includes six topics with varied levels of funding and awards anticipated. For the first round of applications, two of the six topics will be open, seeking field tests for enhanced geothermal systems and drilling for next-generation and hydrothermal resource characterization / confirmation.
Although the United States leads the world in geothermal electricity capacity with about four gigawatts, DOE analysis shows the potential for at least 300 gigawatts of reliable, flexible geothermal power on the U.S. grid by 2050. Projects under this opportunity are expected to help derisk geothermal development approaches and locations nationwide, which can encourage private investment, spur industry growth, and help realize the country’s geothermal potential.
Letters of Intent for the opportunity are due March 27, 2026, and full applications are due April 30, 2026. Learn more about the Notice of Funding Opportunity topic areas, expected funding, and how to apply here.
Learn more about geothermal research in DOE’s Office of Geothermal here.
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