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House Science Committee backs Supercritical Geothermal R&D Act to expand deep geothermal research

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: House Committee · June 14, 2024

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Summary

The committee voted to report HR 8665 to the House, directing DOE to expand research on supercritical and closed-loop geothermal systems, create a next-generation center of excellence, and improve interagency data mapping; supporters said the technology could provide 24/7 baseload power and broaden geothermal beyond the Western U.S.

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology voted to report HR 8665, the Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development Act, to the House with a favorable recommendation.

Chairman Lucas described the bill as directing the Department of Energy to expand research into supercritical geothermal and closed-loop systems, create a next-generation geothermal center of excellence, and encourage collaboration with the Department of the Interior to improve geothermal data mapping. He said such research could help unlock reliable 24/7 baseload power by drilling deeper and operating at much higher temperatures.

Ranking Member Lofgren told the committee that supercritical geothermal could be deployable in many parts of the United States and cited an estimate discussed in committee that such technologies could produce about 90 gigawatts of electricity nationwide. Representative Salinas highlighted Oregon's experience, noting the Department of Energy had awarded bipartisan infrastructure law funding to Mazama Energy to demonstrate supercritical geothermal at Newberry Volcano.

Committee members said the bill would support R&D, demonstration, and commercialization work at DOE to address engineering challenges associated with deep drilling and high-temperature systems. The committee moved to report HR 8665 and ordered the bill reported favorably by voice vote; no roll-call was recorded in the transcript.

The chair noted staff would prepare technical and conforming edits after the markup and members would have time to submit additional information for the record.