Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Legislation to Unlock Next-Generation Geothermal Energy

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in co-leading the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, legislation directing the Department of Energy to accelerate research, development, and commercialization of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems capable of producing far more energy than conventional geothermal wells.

"America has an enormous source of clean, reliable, baseload power sitting right beneath our feet, and we are barely scratching the surface of what it can do. A supercritical geothermal well can produce more than seven times the energy of a conventional geothermal well, and next-generation geothermal has the potential to deliver 90 gigawatts of power to the United States alone. This bill puts the Department of Energy to work solving the engineering challenges standing between us and that potential through the kind of public-private partnerships that actually get results," said Congressman Harrigan.

"Next-generation geothermal technologies have the potential to significantly expand access to reliable, domestic energy, but continued innovation and investment are critical to scaling deployment. The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act provides a clear pathway to advance these technologies-from research through commercialization-while strengthening U.S. energy security. Geothermal Rising Action commends Representatives Andrea Salinas and Pat Harrigan for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this forward-looking legislation," said Caity Smith, President, Geothermal Rising Action.

"The U.S. leads in geothermal energy, with vast potential for this clean, reliable energy source. This bipartisan bill will accelerate next-generation geothermal technologies, like superhot rock energy, by targeting R&D for geothermal innovation, improving data collection, and expanding learning and information sharing - all critical components to help unlock our nation's geothermal potential. This is a bold step forward that will help scale geothermal nationwide and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation," said Terra Rogers, Director for Superhot Rock Energy, Clean Air Task Force).

"This bipartisan bill is an important step toward real-world demonstrations that unlock superhot geothermal for all Americans. Quaise supports next-generation geothermal R&D, testing, and the data we need to commercialize 24/7 affordable power nationwide," said Matthew Houde, Co-founder and Chief of Staff, Quaise Energy.

The legislation amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to establish a dedicated next-generation geothermal research program within DOE's existing Geothermal Technologies Office, focusing on critical engineering challenges including hard rock and deep drilling, well completion, materials development, and sensor technology. The bill also requires that at least one FORGE site be equipped to test supercritical and closed-loop geothermal systems within one year of enactment, and establishes a Next-Generation Geothermal Center of Excellence to advance commercialization, support workforce development, and provide technical assistance to industry and government partners.

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act will now be referred to the relevant committees for consideration. Congressman Harrigan will continue working to expand American energy production and strengthen energy independence.