Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

**Summary of H.R. 8790: Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act**

**1. Main Purpose & Objectives** The bill seeks to expand federal support for next-generation geothermal technologies—including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), closed-loop systems, and supercritical geothermal—by amending the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Its core objective is to accelerate research, development, demonstration, and commercial deployment of advanced geothermal energy systems through improved data sharing, interagency coordination, and technological innovation. By redefining key terms and broadening the scope of eligible research, the bill aims to position geothermal as a scalable, baseload renewable energy source capable of competing with fossil fuels and intermittent renewables—without direct subsidies, but via strategic public investment in high-risk, high-reward infrastructure.

**2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The legislation amends four sections of the 2007 Act: - **Definitions (Sec. 612):** Introduces new definitions for “closed-loop geothermal systems,” “next-generation geothermal systems” (encompassing EGS, closed-loop, and supercritical variants), and “supercritical geothermal,” thereby expanding the technological scope eligible for federal support. - **Hydrothermal R&D (Sec. 613(b)(1)):** Updates language to include “advanced tools, including machine learning algorithms,” signaling a shift toward AI-driven subsurface modeling and predictive analytics—critical for reducing exploration risk. - **General Geothermal R&D (Sec. 614):** - Streamlines interagency coordination by replacing specific office references with “across the Department,” enhancing bureaucratic agility. - Mandates inclusion of fossil fuel and mining operational data in the geothermal drilling information repository, enabling cross-sectoral data synergies. - Requires periodic updates to the repository for standardization, accessibility, and multi-scale analysis (regional to site-specific). - Authorizes memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Department of the Interior and other agencies to share subsurface data from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects—including seismic, lithology, and transmission capacity data. - Directs the Interior Secretary to commission supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces and conduct a national study on site selection characteristics, including U.S. territories. - **Enhanced Geothermal Systems (Sec. 615):** Though truncated in the provided text, the bill implies continued focus on EGS R&D, now integrated within the broader next-generation framework.

**3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders** - **Beneficiaries:** Geothermal technology firms (e.g., Fervo Energy, Sage Geosystems), oil and gas service companies (leveraging drilling expertise), data analytics and AI firms, and national labs (e.g., NREL, INL). - **Affected Agencies:** Department of Energy (DOE) (lead), Department of the Interior (USGS, BLM), and other federal entities involved in land management and resource data. - **Indirectly Affected:** Fossil fuel and mining operators (whose operational data becomes valuable for geothermal siting), transmission planners, and state/local governments overseeing permitting. - **Excluded/Disadvantaged:** Traditional hydrothermal geothermal developers (if funding shifts toward higher-risk next-gen tech), and environmental groups concerned about induced seismicity or groundwater impacts from deep drilling—though the bill does not address environmental safeguards.

**4. Potential Impact & Implications** This bill represents a strategic infrastructure play: by de-risking geothermal exploration through public data sharing and AI-assisted modeling, it lowers barriers to private capital entry. The emphasis on supercritical systems and closed-loop tech targets high-temperature, high-efficiency resources capable of delivering firm power—potentially enabling geothermal to serve as a baseload alternative to nuclear or fossil fuels in decarbonizing grids. The integration of mining and fossil fuel data creates a dual-use subsurface intelligence network, effectively turning historical extractive industry data into a strategic asset for clean energy—an elegant example of technological arbitrage. While framed as innovation

As I taught you in 8th grade civics—*remember when we learned how a bill becomes a law?*—this is HR 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, currently referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It’s not some wild new idea; it’s an amendment to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which, if you’d been paying attention, you’d know was passed to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy—basic stuff we covered in the first quarter.

The main purpose here is to update federal geothermal research to include next-generation and closed-loop systems, especially those operating in supercritical conditions—think extremely hot, high-pressure underground resources. The bill amends definitions in the 2007 Act to formally recognize closed-loop geothermal systems (where fluid circulates in sealed wellbores, heated by rock contact) and next-generation systems, which include enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), closed-loop variants, and supercritical applications. It also defines “supercritical geothermal” as energy from subsurface rock at or above the critical point of water—again, basic thermodynamics, folks.

Key changes include: updating hydrothermal R&D to include machine learning for geological analysis; modifying general geothermal R&D to coordinate research “across the Department” of Energy (instead of just between specific offices); and significantly expanding the geothermal data repository. This now requires standardization, public accessibility, regional usability, and interagency data sharing—especially with the Interior Department—via memoranda of understanding. It also mandates drilling supercritical exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces and a study on site selection for supercritical geothermal, including U.S. territories.

Affected parties? The Department of Energy (lead), the Department of Interior (for data sharing and borehole drilling), national labs, geothermal energy companies, academic researchers, and eventually, communities near viable geothermal sites. Industries like mining and critical minerals extraction may also benefit from shared subsurface data.

Potential impact? If implemented as intended—*as opposed to how it often gets bogged down in committee or underfunded*—this could accelerate innovation in geothermal energy by improving data access, enabling better site selection, and advancing technologies that tap into deeper, hotter resources. Geothermal offers baseload renewable power, so this supports grid stability and decarbonization. But let’s be honest: without sustained funding and interagency cooperation—things we *should* have learned to expect from how Congress actually works—this risks being another well-intentioned bill that stalls after referral. Just saying.

**Conspiracy Uncle’s Take on HR 8790: The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act**

Alright, gather ’round the turkey carcass, folks—let’s talk about HR 8790, the so-called “Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act.” On the surface? Innocent enough. A bill to boost geothermal energy research, tweak some definitions, modernize data sharing, and throw in a few machine learning algorithms for good measure. *Sure.* But when you start connecting the dots—*really* connecting them—you see what’s *really* going on here.

**Main Purpose & Objectives (The Official Story):** This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to supercharge R&D into next-gen geothermal systems—especially closed-loop and supercritical geothermal tech. The goal? Tap into Earth’s deep heat, even in places where traditional geothermal doesn’t work. Sounds green, right? Clean energy, jobs, independence from foreign oil… *yawn.* But why now? Why *this* level of detail?

**Key Provisions & Changes (Where the Devil’s in the Details):** First, they’re redefining terms like “closed-loop geothermal systems” and “next-generation geothermal systems” to include *supercritical conditions*—that’s when water gets so hot and pressurized it’s neither liquid nor gas. We’re talking depths of 5–10 kilometers, temperatures over 374°C, pressures crushing enough to implode a submarine. Why define this so precisely? Because they’re not just researching—they’re *mapping*.

Section 614(h) gets a major upgrade: a national geothermal data repository, now required to integrate *publicly available subsurface data from fossil fuel and mining operations*. Then comes the kicker: a **Memorandum of Understanding** between the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior to share data from *mining, critical minerals, and energy projects*—including seismic data, lithology, heat profiles, and even boundaries of protected lands. And get this: they want to drill **supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes** in “representative geological provinces” across the U.S. and territories—*including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands*—to build a national deep heat map.

They’re even studying “site selection characteristics” for supercritical geothermal. Translation? They’re scouting for the *best places to drill deep*—not just for energy, but for… what else?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders (Who’s Really in the Game?):** On paper: DOE, DOI, national labs, geothermal companies, universities. But follow the money and the data. Who benefits from ultra-deep subsurface mapping? Oil and gas giants already have the tech to drill this deep. Mining corps want to know where the critical minerals (lithium, rare earths) are hot and accessible. Defense agencies? Imagine using supercritical zones for deep-earth signal transmission, or even geothermal-powered underground facilities. And let’s not forget—this data repository will be *publicly available*. So who’s really going to use it? The same folks who’ve been drilling in secret for decades.

**Potential Impact & Implications (The Real Agenda):** This isn’t just about clean energy. This is about **creating a national subsurface surveillance and resource mapping system** under the guise of green tech. Supercritical geothermal isn’t just an energy source—it’s a *geophysical key* to the deep Earth. Control the heat map, control the planet’s hidden resources. They’re laying the groundwork for a new era of deep-earth exploitation—energy, minerals, maybe even strategic positioning—all while selling it as “innovation” and “climate action.”

So yeah, maybe geothermal’s part of it. But when they start defining supercritical conditions, mandating data sharing from Interior and Energy, and drilling exploratory holes in protected territories? *That’s not research. That’s reconnaissance.* And Uncle Conspiracy? He’s got a bad feeling about this one. Pass the gravy—and keep your eye on the deep boreholes.

**Summary of H.R. 8790: Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act**

**1. Main Purpose & Objectives** The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act aims to modernize and expand federal support for advanced geothermal energy technologies by amending the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Its core objective is to accelerate the research, development, demonstration, and commercial deployment of next-generation geothermal systems—including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), closed-loop geothermal systems, and supercritical geothermal resources—through improved data sharing, interagency coordination, and technological innovation. The bill seeks to position geothermal energy as a reliable, baseload renewable resource capable of contributing significantly to U.S. energy independence and grid resilience, all while framing it as a triumph of American ingenuity over foreign energy dependence.

**2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill amends several sections of the 2007 Act to broaden definitions and enhance research infrastructure. It introduces new definitions for “closed-loop geothermal systems,” “next-generation geothermal systems,” and “supercritical geothermal,” thereby expanding the scope of eligible technologies for federal support. It updates hydrothermal R&D provisions to include machine learning tools for geological analysis. Most significantly, it overhauls the general geothermal systems R&D section by: - Shifting coordination responsibility from specific DOE offices to “across the Department,” streamlining oversight. - Mandating the integration of publicly available subsurface data from fossil fuel and mining operations into a national geothermal data repository. - Requiring periodic updates to the repository to standardize, enhance accessibility, and expand analytical utility across regional and local scales. - Directing the Secretary of Energy to enter into memoranda of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior and other agencies to share geothermal-relevant data from energy, mining, and critical minerals projects. - Authorizing the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces and mandating a national study on site selection characteristics, including U.S. territories.

These changes transform a fragmented research effort into a centralized, data-driven national initiative—framed, of course, as a bold leap toward energy freedom.

**3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The bill impacts a wide array of stakeholders: - **Federal Agencies:** The Department of Energy (DOE) gains expanded authority to coordinate geothermal R&D; the Department of the Interior (DOI) is tasked with exploration drilling and site studies. - **National Laboratories & Research Institutions:** Expected to lead technical development, data standardization, and machine learning applications. - **Geothermal Industry & Startups:** Stand to benefit from expanded definitions, improved data access, and demonstration funding for closed-loop and supercritical systems. - **Fossil Fuel & Mining Companies:** May be required or incentivized to share subsurface data (seismic, lithologic, thermal) from existing operations, creating unexpected synergies. - **State & Local Governments, Tribal Nations, and Territories:** Could gain access to new geothermal resource assessments and potential development opportunities, especially in western states and island territories. - **Utilities & Grid Operators:** May eventually gain access to firm, renewable baseload power to complement wind and solar. - **Taxpayers:** Fund the initiative, though proponents will claim it pays for itself in energy independence and jobs—never mind the upfront cost.

**4. Potential Impact & Implications** If enacted, the bill could significantly accelerate the deployment of next-generation geothermal technologies by reducing geological risk through better data sharing and enabling innovation in hard-to-access resources like supercritical and closed-loop systems. Enhanced interagency collaboration may overcome historical silos between energy, mining, and interior departments. The inclusion of machine learning and standardized data repositories could improve exploration success rates and lower development costs over time.

Geopolitically, the bill advances the narrative of U.S. energy dominance—framing geothermal as a “freedom fuel” untethered from foreign supply chains or weather-dependent intermittency. Economically, it could spur job creation in drilling, geoscience, and engineering, particularly in energy-transition regions

**Summary of H.R. 8790: Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act**

**1. Main Purpose & Objectives** The primary purpose of H.R. 8790 is to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial deployment of next-generation geothermal energy technologies in the United States. The bill seeks to expand the scope of federal geothermal initiatives under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) to include emerging technologies such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), closed-loop geothermal systems, and supercritical geothermal resources. By modernizing definitions, improving data sharing, and directing federal agencies to prioritize innovative geothermal approaches, the bill aims to unlock geothermal energy’s potential as a reliable, baseload renewable energy source capable of contributing significantly to national decarbonization goals.

**2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill amends EISA in several key ways: - **Updated Definitions**: It introduces new definitions for “closed-loop geothermal systems,” “next-generation geothermal systems” (encompassing EGS, closed-loop systems, and supercritical applications), and “supercritical geothermal” (energy from subsurface resources at or above supercritical temperature/pressure conditions). - **Enhanced Research Tools**: Section 613(b)(1) is amended to include machine learning algorithms as part of advanced geologic tools for hydrothermal research. - **Improved Data Management**: Section 614 is revised to centralize geothermal data across the Department of Energy (DOE), require public availability of subsurface data from fossil fuel and mining operations, and mandate periodic updates to a national geothermal data repository to improve standardization, accessibility, and usability. - **Interagency Collaboration**: The Secretary of Energy must enter into memoranda of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior and other federal agencies to share geothermal-relevant data (e.g., seismic, lithology, heat profiles) from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects. - **Supercritical Geothermal Initiatives**: The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to drill supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative U.S. geological provinces and territories to create deep heat mapping control points. It also requires a study on site selection characteristics for supercritical geothermal development across U.S. states and territories.

**3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders** - **Federal Agencies**: The DOE (Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Fossil Energy) and the Department of the Interior (USGS, BLM) gain expanded responsibilities for research, data collection, and interagency coordination. - **Research Institutions & National Labs**: Entities such as NREL, LBNL, and INL are likely to receive increased funding and direction for geothermal R&D. - **Private Industry**: Geothermal developers, energy companies, and technology firms working on EGS, closed-loop, or supercritical systems may benefit from improved data access, federal collaboration, and demonstration opportunities. - **Academia**: Universities involved in geoscience, engineering, and energy research may gain access to enhanced datasets and funding opportunities. - **State & Local Governments**: Particularly in western states and territories with high geothermal potential (e.g., California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Puerto Rico), stakeholders may benefit from improved resource assessment and development pathways. - **Environmental & Clean Energy Advocates**: Groups focused on renewable energy expansion and grid decarbonization may view the bill as a step toward scaling firm, low-carbon power.

**4. Potential Impact & Implications** If enacted, H.R. 8790 could significantly accelerate the deployment of next-generation geothermal technologies by addressing key barriers such as data fragmentation, technological uncertainty, and high upfront exploration risk. The emphasis on supercritical geothermal—still largely experimental—could position the U.S. as a global leader in high-temperature geothermal innovation, potentially unlocking vastly more energy-dense resources than conventional hydrothermal systems. Improved data sharing and standardization may reduce exploration costs and increase private sector confidence. By integrating data from mining and fossil fuel operations, the bill also promotes cross

Alright, let’s break this down like we’re chillin’ on the beach with a cold one, watching the waves roll in—except instead of surf reports, we’re talking about tapping into the Earth’s natural heat to power our homes and cities. This bill, HR 8790, the *Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act*, is all about giving geothermal energy a serious upgrade—think less “steam vent in the backyard” and more “high-tech, deep-Earth energy mining.”

### 1. Main Purpose & Objectives The core mission here is simple but powerful: boost the U.S.’s ability to research, develop, demo, and eventually commercialize next-gen geothermal systems. We’re not just talking about old-school hydrothermal geothermal (where you find hot water or steam near the surface). Nah—this bill is pushing the envelope into *enhanced geothermal systems (EGS)*, *closed-loop systems* (where fluid circulates in sealed pipes without sucking up groundwater), and even *supercritical geothermal*—that’s when water gets so hot and pressurized underground it becomes this weird, powerful super-fluid that can carry insane amounts of energy. The goal? Make geothermal a reliable, 24/7 clean energy player that can scale nationwide, not just in places like California or Nevada with obvious hot springs.

### 2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law This bill amends the *Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007* to modernize how the feds handle geothermal R&D. Big moves include:

- **New Definitions**: It officially defines “closed-loop geothermal systems” and “next-generation geothermal systems” (which bundles EGS, closed-loop, supercritical stuff, and other innovative tech). It also adds a definition for “supercritical geothermal”—energy from rock so hot and pressurized it’s beyond normal steam conditions. - **Smarter Tools**: Updates hydrothermal R&D to include *machine learning algorithms* for better geologic forecasting—because why guess when you can AI-model the subsurface? - **Data Sharing & Transparency**: Overhauls the geothermal data repository (Section 614) to make it more accessible, standardized, and useful. It mandates periodic updates, map-friendly formats, and cross-agency data sharing—especially with the Interior Department—so we’re not siloing valuable subsurface info from mining, oil, or gas ops. - **Supercritical Push**: Authorizes the Interior Secretary to drill *supercritical exploration boreholes* in key geological regions (including U.S. territories!) to map deep heat, rock type, and stress points. Also calls for a study on where supercritical geothermal might work best—think: where the Earth’s crust is thin and hot, like near tectonic edges or volcanic zones. - **Interagency Coordination**: Requires MOUs between Energy and Interior (and other relevant agencies) to share data and align efforts—no more duplicated work or missed opportunities.

### 3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders This impacts a wide crew: - **DOE (especially Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)**: Gets expanded R&D mandate and data coordination duties. - **DOI (especially USGS and BLM)**: Leads on supercritical test drilling and site studies; shares land and resource data. - **Geothermal Tech Companies & Startups**: Stand to gain from better data, federal R&D support, and clearer pathways to demo and deploy closed-loop and EGS tech. - **Mining & Fossil Fuel Industries**: Their existing subsurface data (seismic, lithology, etc.) becomes more valuable for geothermal mapping—potential for cross-industry collaboration. - **States & Local Communities**: Especially in the West and territories, could see new clean energy jobs and infrastructure. - **Tribal Nations**: Implied stakeholder—though not named, territorial inclusion suggests attention to Indigenous lands; future consultations likely needed. - **Ratepayers & Climate Advocates**: Win if this leads to firm, clean baseload power to complement wind and solar.

### 4. Potential Impact & Implications If this bill works as intended, it could be a quiet game-changer. Geothermal’s always had potential—it’s always on, takes up little land

**Summary of H.R. 8790: Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act**

**1. Main Purpose & Objectives** H.R. 8790 seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation geothermal technologies by amending the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Its primary goal is to expand federal research, development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), closed-loop geothermal systems, and supercritical geothermal energy—particularly in challenging geological conditions. The bill aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by unlocking geothermal potential in regions previously considered unsuitable for conventional hydrothermal systems, thereby supporting national clean energy targets and grid resilience.

**2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill amends several sections of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: - **Definitions (Sec. 612):** Introduces new terms including “closed-loop geothermal systems,” “next-generation geothermal systems” (encompassing EGS, closed-loop, and supercritical applications), and “supercritical geothermal” (energy from subsurface resources at or above supercritical temperature/pressure conditions). - **Hydrothermal R&D (Sec. 613(b)(1)):** Updates language to include “advanced tools, including machine learning algorithms,” improving subsurface modeling and exploration efficiency. - **General Geothermal R&D (Sec. 614):** - Shifts coordination responsibility from specific DOE offices (Fossil Energy, EERE) to “across the Department,” streamlining interoffice collaboration. - Enhances the geothermal drilling information repository by mandating inclusion of publicly available subsurface data from fossil fuel and mining operations. - Requires periodic updates to standardize, improve accessibility, and expand analytical use of geothermal data across regional and local scales. - Mandates memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies to share data from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects—including seismic, lithology, and transmission capacity data. - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to drill supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces and conduct a national study on site selection characteristics, including U.S. territories. - **Enhanced Geothermal Systems (Sec. 615):** Though the text is truncated, prior sections indicate continued support for EGS R&D, now integrated with next-generation frameworks.

**3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders** - **Beneficiaries:** Geothermal technology developers (e.g., Fervo Energy, Sage Geosystems), oil and gas service firms (adapting drilling tech), national labs (DOE, NREL), and states with high geothermal potential (Utah, Nevada, California, Hawaii). - **Data Users:** Researchers, state energy offices, tribal nations, and private developers gaining access to expanded subsurface datasets. - **Federal Agencies:** DOE (lead), DOI (via borehole drilling and MOUs), and other departments involved in mining and energy data sharing. - **Industries with Indirect Interest:** Fossil fuel and mining operators, whose operational data may be incorporated into the geothermal repository—potentially creating cross-sector synergies but also raising concerns about data use and influence.

**4. Potential Impact & Implications** If enacted, H.R. 8790 could significantly lower the technical and financial risks associated with next-generation geothermal by improving data sharing, standardizing exploration protocols, and de-risking supercritical resource identification. The emphasis on machine learning and cross-agency data integration reflects a modernized approach to subsurface science, potentially accelerating timelines for commercial EGS and closed-loop deployment. By leveraging data from oil, gas, and mining sectors, the bill fosters a “double dividend”: advancing clean energy while extending the utility of existing subsurface infrastructure and expertise. However, the close integration with fossil fuel-adjacent data sources may raise questions about influence from entrenched energy interests, even as the bill promotes a transition away from them. Long-term, successful implementation could position geothermal as a firm, dispatchable renewable bas