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Our Role at DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Geothermal (OG) works to reduce costs and risks associated with geothermal development by supporting innovative technologies that address key exploration and operational challenges.
About OG
OG News
Geothermal Everywhere: OG Initiatives
Funding Opportunities
Contacts
Geothermal energy, which comes from the heat beneath our feet, is more vital than ever.
RENEWABLE – Geothermal energy supplies renewable power around the clock 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 and balance intermittent sources of energy like wind and solar.
VERSATILE – Geothermal resources can be used in multiple ways across the country, including to produce electricity, heat and cool homes and businesses, and provide energy storage.
OG Research Areas
Data, Modeling, and Analysis
OG'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)
Eric Larson, Flash Point SLCEnhanced 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. OG's EGS program supports projects that guide EGS technologies towards commercial viability.
EGS Initiatives:
Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation
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. OG’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:
Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation
Low Temperature and Coproduced Resources
OG’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:
District-Scale Geothermal Energy Pilots
Federal Geothermal (FedGeo) Partnerships
Geothermal District Heating & Cooling
News + Success Stories
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DOE’s Office of Geothermal has announced a funding opportunity of up to $171.5 million for next-generation geothermal field tests as well as characterization and confirmation drilling for geothermal resources. -
The Office of Geothernal has announced a 13-state effort to expand the use of firm, flexible geothermal power on the U.S. grid, by supporting states interested in geothermal nationwide. -
Learn how the use of polycrystalline diamond compact drill bits is improving the geothermal drilling process.
Highlights
Geothermal Basics
Resources
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Geothermal (OG, formerly the 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) Office of Geothermal (OG) and its research partners to assess geothermal technology and its environmental, economic, and energy benefits. -
Explore Office of Geothermal (OG) 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.