On behalf of the geothermal industry we would like to thank you for introducing the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”. We strongly support your endeavors to advance geothermal energy as a mainstream source of power and heat across the nation.
As the professional and trade association for the geothermal industry and community, the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) applauds your leadership in bringing forth the various parts of the act:
- Advanced hydrothermal tools for exploration and characterization of resources and demonstration of advanced technologies for exploratory drilling;
- General geothermal systems research and development including thermal energy storage, oil & gas technology transfer, and co-production of mineral recovery;
- Support of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) research, development, demonstration and commercial application;
- Establish up to three FORGE sites (Frontier Observatories for Research in Geothermal Energy) with $305 Million funding over five years (including one site east of the Mississippi River);
- Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and development including computer modeling and simulation tools that more accurately model complex subsurface systems;
- Geothermal workforce development by facilitating collaboration between universities and national laboratories, and prioritizing science in the application of geothermal energy tools and technologies;
- Supporting the Department of Energy by authorizing appropriations to carry out the programs under this act of $100 Million in fiscal year 2020 raising annually to $129.5 Million in fiscal year 2024;
- Supporting international geothermal energy development through collaborative efforts;
- Reauthorization of High Cost Region Geothermal Energy Grant Program.
The GRC kindly urges the passage of this bill as soon as possible in both the House and Senate. Quick action on this issue is critical to the long-term future of geothermal energy and how we make a significant impact to:
- building jobs and economic benefits in local communities across the nation;
- helping to fight climate change through electrification and decarbonizing our economy; and,
- being a reliable source of energy that gives clean renewable power and heat that’s always on.
The Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019 impacts the whole geothermal energy spectrum across low temperature and high temperature resources. These actions will help build a future where geothermal power and heat can be rolled out across the nation as a critical source of renewable energy for U.S. households and businesses as we transition to a clean energy future. Geothermal energy is affordable and reliable, and will play a substantive role in maintaining a functioning electricity grid – due to its position as a flexible, clean, 24/7 resource that can complement other intermittent renewable resources.
The GRC is a non-profit professional association for the geothermal industry and community in the USA and abroad. We were founded in 1972 and are headquartered in Davis, California. We have over 1,300 members from around the world and are working to advance our industry by supporting the development of geothermal energy resources through communication of robust research, knowledge and guidance.
We thank you for your consideration. We are available to answer questions and discuss further at your convenience.
Respectfully,
Paul Thomsen, GRC Policy Committee Chair, pthomsen@ormat.com
Will Pettitt, PhD, GRC Executive Director, wpettitt@mygeoenergy.org