H.R. 5374 — what changed

changed Section 612(1) 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191(1)) 17191) is amended to read as follows:amended—

added “(1) Engineered—When referring to enhanced geothermal systems, the term engineered means designed to access subsurface heat, including stimulation and nonstimulation technologies to address one or more of the following issues:

added “(A) Lack of effective permeability, porosity or open fracture connectivity within the heat reservoir.

added “(B) Insufficient contained geofluid in the heat reservoir.

added “(C) A low average geothermal gradient which necessitates deeper drilling, or the use of alternative heat sources or heat generation processes.”

added “(2) Eligible entity—The term ‘eligible entity’ means any of the following entities:

added “(A) An institution of higher education.

added “(B) A National laboratory.

added “(C) A Federal research agency.

added “(D) A State research agency.

added “(E) A nonprofit research organization.

added “(F) An industrial entity.

added “(G) A consortium of 2 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F).”

removed “(1) Engineered—When referring to enhanced geothermal systems, the term engineered means designed to access subsurface heat, including stimulation and nonstimulation technologies to address one or more of the following issues:

removed “(A) Lack of effective permeability, porosity or open fracture connectivity within the heat reservoir.

removed “(B) Insufficient contained geofluid in the heat reservoir.

removed “(C) A low average geothermal gradient which necessitates deeper drilling, or the use of alternative heat sources or heat generation processes.”

Section 614 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17193) is amended to read as follows:

“614. General geothermal systems research and development

“(a) Subsurface components and systems—The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of components and systems capable of withstanding geothermal environments and necessary to develop, produce, and monitor geothermal reservoirs and produce geothermal energy.

“(b) Environmental impacts—The Secretary shall—

“(1) support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies and practices designed to mitigate or preclude potential adverse environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, production or use; and

changed “(2) support a research program to identify potential environmental impacts impacts, including induced seismicity, and environmental benefits of geothermal energy development, production, and use, and ensure that the program described in paragraph (1) addresses such impacts, including water use and effects on groundwater and local hydrology;

“(3) support a program of research to compare the potential environmental impacts and environmental benefits identified as part of the development, production, and use of geothermal energy with the potential emission reductions of greenhouse gases gained by geothermal energy development, production, and use; and

changed “(4) in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consult with relevant Federal federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

“(c) Reservoir thermal energy storage—The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, and demonstration of reservoir thermal energy storage, emphasizing cost-effective improvements through deep direct use engineering, design, and systems research.

“(d) Oil and gas technology transfer initiative

“(1) In general—The Secretary shall support an initiative among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the private sector to research, develop, and demonstrate relevant advanced technologies and operation techniques used in the oil and gas sector for use in geothermal energy development.

changed “(2) Priorities—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize technologies with the greatest potential to significantly increase the use and lower the cost of geothermal energy in the United States, including the cost and speed of geothermal drilling.drilling surface technologies, and well construction.

changed “(3) “(e) Coproduction of geothermal energy and minerals production research and development initiative

changed “(A) “(1) In general—The Secretary shall carry out a research and development initiative under which the Secretary shall award grants to demonstrate the coproduction of critical minerals from geothermal resources.

changed “(B) “(2) Requirements—An award made under subparagraph (A) paragraph (1) shall—

changed “(i) “(A) improve the cost effectiveness of removing minerals from geothermal brines as part of the coproduction process;

changed “(ii) “(B) increase recovery rates of the targets targeted mineral commodity;

changed “(iii) “(C) decrease water use and other environmental impacts, as determined by the Secretary; and

changed “(iv) “(D) demonstrate a path to commercial viability.”viability.

added “(f) Flexible operations—The Secretary shall support a research initiative on flexible operation of geothermal power plants.

added “(g) Hybrid energy systems—The Secretary shall identify opportunities for joint research, development, and demonstration programs between geothermal systems and other energy generation or storage systems.”

Section 615 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17194) is amended to read as follows:

“615. Enhanced geothermal systems research and development

“(a) In general—The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for enhanced geothermal systems, including the programs described in subsection (b).

changed “(b) Enhanced geothermal systems technologies—In collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and the national laboratories, the Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of the technologies to achieve higher efficiency and lower cost enhanced geothermal systems, including—

“(1) reservoir stimulation;

changed “(2) drilled, non-stimulated (e.g. closed-loop) reservoir characterization, monitoring, and modeling;technologies;

changed “(3) stress reservoir characterization, monitoring, and fracture mapping including real time monitoring modeling and modeling;understanding of the surface area and volume of fractures;

changed “(4) tracer development;stress and fracture mapping including real time monitoring and modeling;

changed “(5) three and four-dimensional seismic imaging and tomography;tracer development;

changed “(6) well placement three and orientation;four-dimensional seismic imaging and tomography;

changed “(7) long-term reservoir management;well placement and orientation;

changed “(8) drilling technologies, methods, and tools;long-term reservoir management;

changed “(9) improved exploration drilling technologies, methods, and tools;

changed “(10) zonal isolation; andimproved exploration tools;

changed “(11) understanding induced seismicity risks from reservoir engineering and stimulation.zonal isolation; and

changed “(c) Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy—The Secretary shall support the establishment and construction of up to 3 field research sites operated by public or academic entities, which shall each be known as a “Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy” or “FORGE” site to develop, test, and enhance techniques “(12) understanding induced seismicity risks from reservoir engineering and tools for enhanced geothermal energy.stimulation.

added “(c) Frontier observatory for research in geothermal energy—The Secretary shall support the establishment and construction of up to 3 field research sites, which shall each be known as a “Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy” or “FORGE” site to develop, test, and enhance techniques and tools for enhanced geothermal energy.

“(1) Duties—The Secretary shall—

removed “(A) award grants in support of research and development projects focused on advanced monitoring technologies, new technologies and approaches for implementing multi-zone stimulations, and dynamic reservoir modeling that incorporates all available high-fidelity characterization data; and

changed “(B) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged “(A) award grants in support of research and development of geothermal systems projects focused on advanced monitoring technologies, new technologies and related technology.approaches for implementing multi-zone stimulations, nonstimulation techniques, and dynamic reservoir modeling that incorporates all available high-fidelity characterization data; and

added “(B) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged in research and development of geothermal systems and related technology, including coordination between FORGE sites.

“(2) Site selection—Of the FORGE sites referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

“(A) consider applications through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, from National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, institutes of higher education and other appropriate entities best suited to provide national leadership on geothermal related issues and perform the duties enumerated under this subsection; and

“(B) prioritize existing field sites and facilities with capabilities relevant to the duties enumerated under this subsection.

removed “(3) Funding—Out of funds authorized to be appropriated under section 11 of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, there shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out the FORGE activities under this paragraph—

changed “(A) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;“(3) Existing forge sites—A FORGE site already in existence on the date of enactment of this Act may continue to receive support.

changed “(B) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;“(4) Funding—Out of funds authorized to be appropriated under section 12 of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, there shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out the FORGE activities under this paragraph—

changed “(C) $65,000,000 “(A) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;2021;

changed “(D) $70,000,000 “(B) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and2022;

changed “(E) $70,000,000 “(C) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.2023;

changed “(4) Enhanced geothermal systems demonstrations“(D) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

changed “(A) In general—Beginning on the date of enactment of the “Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2019”, the Secretary, in collaboration with industry partners and institutions of higher education, shall support an initiative for demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems “(E) $70,000,000 for power production or direct use.fiscal year 2025.

changed “(B) Projects“(d) Enhanced geothermal systems demonstrations

changed “(i) “(1) In general—Under general—Beginning on the initiative described date of enactment of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, the Secretary, in subparagraph (A), demonstration projects collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and the national laboratories, shall be carried out in locations that are commercially viable support an initiative for demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems development, while also considering environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the Secretary.for power production or direct use.

changed “(ii) Requirements—Demonstration projects under clause (i) shall—“(2) Projects

changed “(I) collectively demonstrate—“(A) In general—Under the initiative described in paragraph (1), demonstration projects shall be carried out in locations that are commercially viable for enhanced geothermal systems development, while also considering environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the Secretary.

changed “(aa) different geologic settings, such as hot sedimentary aquifers, layered geologic systems, supercritical systems, and basement rock systems; and“(B) Requirements—Demonstration projects under subparagraph (A) shall—

changed “(bb) a variety of development techniques, including open hole and cased hole completions, differing well orientations, and stimulation mechanisms; and“(i) collectively demonstrate—

changed “(II) to the extent practicable, use existing sites where subsurface characterization or geothermal energy integration analysis has been conducted.“(I) different geologic settings, such as hot sedimentary aquifers, layered geologic systems, supercritical systems, and basement rock systems; and

changed “(iii) Eastern demonstration—Not less than 1 demonstration project carried out under clause (i) shall be located in an area east of the Mississippi River that is suitable for enhanced geothermal demonstration for power, heat, or “(II) a combination variety of power development techniques, including open hole and heat.”cased hole completions, differing well orientations, and stimulation and nonstimulation mechanisms; and

added “(ii) to the extent practicable, use existing sites where subsurface characterization or geothermal energy integration analysis has been conducted.

added “(C) Eastern demonstration—Not fewer than 1 of the demonstration projects carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be located an area east of the Mississippi that is suitable for enhanced geothermal demonstration for power, heat, or a combination of power and heat.”

added “616A. Geothermal heat pumps and direct use research and development

added “(a) Purposes—The purposes of this section are—

added “(1) to improve the understanding of related earth sciences, components, processes, and systems used for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; and

added “(2) to increase the energy efficiency, lower the cost, increase the use, and improve and demonstrate the effectiveness of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.

added “(b) Definitions—In this section:

added “(1) Direct use of geothermal energy—The term “direct use of geothermal energy” means geothermal systems that use water directly or through a heat exchanger to provide—

added “(A) heating and cooling to buildings, commercial districts, residential communities, and large municipal, or industrial projects; or

added “(B) heat required for industrial processes, agriculture, aquaculture, and other facilities.

added “(2) Economically distressed area—The term “economically distressed area” means an area described in section 301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161(a)).

added “(3) Geothermal heat pump—The term “geothermal heat pump” means a system that provides heating and cooling by exchanging heat from shallow geology, groundwater, or surface water using—

added “(A) a closed loop system, which transfers heat by way of buried or immersed pipes that contain a mix of water and working fluid; or

added “(B) an open loop system, which circulates ground or surface water directly into the building and returns the water to the same aquifer or surface water source.

added “(c) Program

added “(1) In general—The Secretary shall support within the Geothermal Technologies Office a program of research, development, and demonstration for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.

added “(2) Areas—The program under paragraph (1) may include research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of—

added “(A) geothermal ground loop efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and improved installation and operations methods;

added “(B) the use of geothermal energy for building-scale energy storage;

added “(C) the use of geothermal energy as a grid management resource or seasonal energy storage;

added “(D) geothermal heat pump efficiency improvements;

added “(E) the use of alternative fluids as a heat exchange medium, such as hot water found in mines and mine shafts, graywater, or other fluids that may improve the economics of geothermal heat pumps;

added “(F) heating of districts, neighborhoods, communities, large commercial or public buildings, and industrial and manufacturing facilities;

added “(G) the use of low temperature groundwater for direct use; and

added “(H) system integration of direct use with geothermal electricity production.

added “(3) Environmental impacts—In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts in accordance with section 614(c).

added “(d) Grants

added “(1) In general—The Secretary shall carry out the program established in subsection (c) by making grants available to State, local, and Tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities, National Laboratories, utilities, and for-profit companies.

added “(2) Priority—In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary may give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities that are located in economically distressed areas and areas that the Secretary determines to have high economic potential for geothermal district heating based on the report, “Geovision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath our Feet” published by the Department in 2019, or a successor report.”

removed Section 617(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17196) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.

added Section 617(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17196) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.

removed “618. Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and development

removed “(a) In general—The Secretary shall carry out a program of research and development of advanced computing and data science tools for geothermal energy.

removed “(b) Programs—The program authorized in subsection (a) shall include the following:

removed “(1) Advanced computing for geothermal systems technologies—Research, development, and demonstration of technologies to develop advanced data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related computing tools to assist in locating geothermal resources, to increase the reliability of site characterization, to increase the rate and efficiency of drilling, to improve induced seismicity mitigation, and to support enhanced geothermal systems technologies.

removed “(2) Geothermal systems reservoir modeling—Research, development, and demonstration of models of geothermal reservoir performance and enhanced geothermal systems reservoir stimulation technologies and techniques, with an emphasis on accurately modeling heat flow, permeability evolution, seismicity, and operational performance over time, including collaboration with industry and field validation.

removed “(c) Coordination—In carrying out these programs, the Secretary shall ensure coordination and consultation with the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, coordination of these activities with the Department of Energy National Laboratories, institutes of higher education, and the private sector.”

changed “619. Geothermal workforce “618. Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and development

changed “The “(a) In general—The Secretary shall support the carry out a program of research and development of a advanced computing and data science tools for geothermal energy workforce through a program that—energy.

changed “(1) facilitates collaboration between university students and researchers at “(b) Programs—The program authorized in subsection (a) shall include the national laboratories; andfollowing:

changed “(2) prioritizes science “(1) Advanced computing for geothermal systems technologies—Research, development, and demonstration of technologies to develop advanced data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related computing tools to assist in areas relevant locating geothermal resources, to increase the mission reliability of the Department through site characterization, to increase the application rate and efficiency of geothermal energy tools drilling, to improve induced seismicity mitigation, and technologies.”to support enhanced geothermal systems technologies.

added “(2) Geothermal systems reservoir modeling—Research, development, and demonstration of models of geothermal reservoir performance and enhanced geothermal systems reservoir stimulation technologies and techniques, with an emphasis on accurately modeling fluid and heat flow, permeability evolution, geomechanics, geochemistry, seismicity, and operational performance over time, including collaboration with industry and field validation.

added “(c) Coordination—In carrying out these programs, the Secretary shall ensure coordination and consultation with the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, coordination of these activities with the Department of Energy National Laboratories, institutes of higher education, and the private sector.”

added “619. Geothermal workforce development

added “The Secretary shall support the development of a geothermal energy workforce through a program that—

added “(1) facilitates collaboration between university students and researchers at the national laboratories; and

added “(2) prioritizes science in areas relevant to the mission of the Department through the application of geothermal energy tools and technologies.”

removed Section 621 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17200) is amended to read as follows:

removed “621. Reports

removed “(a) Report—Every 5 years after the date of enactment of Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019 , the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.

removed “(b) Progress reports—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the results of projects undertaken under this part and other such information the Secretary considers appropriate.”

added Section 621 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17200) is amended to read as follows:

added “621. Organization and Administration of Programs

added “(a) Education and outreach—In carrying out the activities described in this subtitle, the Secretary shall support education and outreach activities to disseminate information on geothermal energy technologies and the geothermal energy workforce, including activities at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site(s).

added “(b) Technical assistance—In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall also conduct technical assistance and analysis activities with eligible entities for the purpose of supporting the commercial application of advances in geothermal energy systems development and operations, which may include activities that support expanding access to advanced geothermal energy technologies for rural, Tribal, and low-income communities.

added “(c) Report—Every 5 years after the date of enactment of Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019 , the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.

added “(d) Progress reports—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the results of projects undertaken under this part and other such information the Secretary considers appropriate.”

removed Section 623 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17202) is amended to read as follows:

removed “623. Authorization of Appropriations

removed “There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the programs under the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”—

removed “(1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;

removed “(2) $111,125,000 for fiscal year 2021;

removed “(3) $122,250,000 for fiscal year 2022;

removed “(4) $128,375,000 for fiscal year 2023; and

removed “(5) $129,500,000 for fiscal year 2024.”

changed Section 624 623 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17203) 17202) is amended—amended to read as follows:

added “623. Authorization of Appropriations

added “There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the programs under the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”—

added “(1) $121,375,000 for fiscal year 2021;

added “(2) $132,750,000 for fiscal year 2022;

added “(3) $144,125,000 for fiscal year 2023;

added “(4) $150,500,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

added “(5) $151,875,000 for fiscal year 2025.”

removed “(a) In general—The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the United States Agency for International Development) shall support collaborative efforts with international partners to promote the research, development, and demonstration of geothermal technologies used to develop hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal system resources.”

changed Section 625 624 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17204) 17203) is amended—

added “(a) In general—The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the United States Agency for International Development) shall support collaborative efforts with international partners to promote the research, development, and demonstration of geothermal technologies used to develop hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal system resources.”

removed “(e) Authorization of appropriations—Out of funds authorized under section 11 of the “Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019”, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.”