H.R. 8790

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8790 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8790

To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct 
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application 
activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop 
geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 13, 2026

Mr. Harrigan (for himself and Ms. Salinas) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for 
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct 
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application 
activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop 
geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research 
and Development Act''.

SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.

(a) In General.--The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 
(Public Law 110-140) is amended--
(1) in section 612 (42 U.S.C. 17191; relating to 
definitions)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), 
(5), (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), 
(5), (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so 
redesignated, the following new paragraph:
``(1) Closed-loop geothermal systems.--The term `closed-
loop geothermal systems' means a wellbore or subsurface circuit 
of wellbores containing a fluid heated through contact with the 
borehole wall.'';
(C) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so 
redesignated, the following new paragraph:
``(9) Next-generation geothermal systems.--The term `next-
generation geothermal systems' means--
``(A) enhanced geothermal systems;
``(B) closed-loop geothermal systems;
``(C) in supercritical conditions--
``(i) enhanced geothermal systems; or
``(ii) closed-loop geothermal systems; and
``(D) other innovative energy technologies.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(11) Supercritical geothermal.--The term `supercritical 
geothermal' means energy derived from a subsurface rock 
resource in-situ existing at or above the supercritical 
conditions, whether relating to temperature or pressure, of the 
primary fluid present.'';
(2) in section 613(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 17192(b)(1); relating 
to hydrothermal research and development), by striking 
``advanced geologic tools to assist'' and inserting ``advanced 
tools, including machine learning algorithms, to assist'';
(3) in section 614 (42 U.S.C. 17193; relating to general 
geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``among the 
Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy,'' and inserting 
``across the Department''; and
(B) in subsection (h)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and 
publicly available subsurface data, including 
data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining 
operations,'' after ``geothermal drilling 
information''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end 
the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Updates.--The repository established under 
paragraph (1) shall be periodically updated in order to 
carry out the following:
``(i) Standardize data in a uniform manner 
to the maximum extent practicable and enable 
analysis across different projects.
``(ii) Enhance the accessibility and 
usability of data to increase analysis of 
geothermal energy and next-generation 
geothermal systems on regional, local, and 
site-specific scales.
``(iii) Increase uses of data, including 
data viewable by map and organization by common 
attributes, such as region.
``(iv) Make other improvements in 
functionality and usability, as determined by 
the Secretary.
``(D) Memorandum of understanding.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
enter into a memorandum of understanding with 
the Secretary of the Interior, and with the 
heads of other relevant Federal departments, 
for notifying, sharing, and providing 
opportunities for additional data collection 
regarding shared geothermal development data 
from projects funded by the Department of the 
Interior and each such other relevant 
department, including data from mining, 
critical minerals, and energy projects, such as 
subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology 
data, boundaries of State and federally 
protected areas, and existing transmission 
capacity.
``(ii) Prioritization.--To the maximum 
extent practicable, activities conducted 
pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under 
clause (i) shall prioritize heat, lithology, 
and strain profiles through deep exploration 
boreholes and control points for deep heat 
mapping and geothermal development.
``(E) Regional data probes.--The Secretary of the 
Interior may, in consultation with the Secretary, 
commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal 
exploration boreholes in representative geological 
provinces in the United States to provide control 
points for deep heat mapping and geothermal 
development. The resulting data shall include an 
exploration of heat, lithology, and strain profiles, 
and shall be shared publicly on the repository 
established under paragraph (1).
``(F) Study on site selection characteristics for 
supercritical geothermal.--The Secretary of the 
Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary, 
conduct a study on site selection characteristics in 
representative geological provinces in the United 
States, including the United States territories of 
American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto 
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical 
geothermal.'';
(4) in section 615 (42 U.S.C. 17194; relating to enhanced 
geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in the section heading, by striking 
``enhanced'' and inserting ``next-generation'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``enhanced'' and 
inserting ``next-generation'';
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the heading, by inserting ``and 
Closed-loop'' after ``Enhanced'';
(ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
by inserting ``and closed-loop'' after 
``enhanced'';
(iii) in paragraph (11), by striking 
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iv) in paragraph (12), by striking the 
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(13) the research topics specified in subparagraphs (1) 
through (12) in supercritical conditions.'';
(D) in subsection (c)--
(i) by redesignating paragraph (7) as 
paragraph (8); and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (6) the 
following new paragraph:
``(7) Next-generation geothermal testing.--Not later than 
one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the 
Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure 
that at least one FORGE site has the capabilities to include 
next-generation geothermal testing, including, if practicable 
and technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal systems in 
supercritical conditions.''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new 
subsections:
``(e) Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development 
Program.--
``(1) In general.--Within the Geothermal Technologies 
Office of the Department, the Secretary shall support a program 
of next-generation geothermal research, development, 
demonstration, and commercial application activities, 
including, if practicable and technically feasible, closed-loop 
geothermal systems in supercritical conditions.
``(2) Focus areas.--
``(A) In general.--The program described in 
paragraph (1) shall focus on the following topics:
``(i) Well completion.
``(ii) Permeability creation and 
management, including proppants and packers.
``(iii) Materials development and equipment 
design, including power production, specific to 
supercritical geothermal systems.
``(iv) Sensor development.
``(v) Water-rock geochemistry.
``(vi) Rock properties.
``(vii) Hard rock and deep drilling.
``(viii) Any other topics the Secretary 
determines necessary.
``(B) Prioritization.--In carrying out next-
generation geothermal research under the program 
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
prioritize projects best able to produce iterative data 
for deep drilling projects in unique geodynamic 
settings on the following topics:
``(i) Characterization and crustal stress.
``(ii) Lab work.
``(iii) Drilling.
``(iv) Stimulation.
``(v) Power production.
``(C) Administration.--The Secretary may administer 
grants to institutions of higher education and private 
sector entities to carry out activities on the topics 
specified in subparagraph (A) and, to the maximum 
extent practicable, share data, results, and 
information publicly.
``(3) Report on water use.--Not later than five years after 
the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources of the Senate a report on the following:
``(A) Water use and estimated needs of enhanced 
geothermal systems.
``(B) Water use and estimated needs for closed-
loop, and next-generation geothermal energy production.
``(C) The ability of next-generation geothermal 
systems to use brackish and nonpotable water.
``(D) The withdrawal and consumption of water per 
megawatt hour of next-generation geothermal systems, as 
compared to other power-generation technologies.
``(E) Technological and operational improvements 
that could lead to decreases in water withdrawal and 
consumption of next-generation geothermal systems.
``(4) Next-generation geothermal center of excellence.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award 
grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, 
to National Laboratories (as such term is defined in 
section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
15801)), multi-institutional collaborations, public-
private partnerships, or institutes of higher education 
(or consortia thereof) for the following:
``(i) The continuation and expansion of 
research, development, demonstration, testing, 
and commercial application activities 
applicable to FORGE sites, including activities 
in supercritical conditions.
``(ii) The establishment of a next-
generation geothermal systems center of 
excellence.
``(B) Location.--In selecting National 
Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, 
public-private partnerships, or institutions of higher 
education (or a consortia thereof) for a center of 
excellence referred to in subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall consider the following criteria:
``(i) Whether the entity hosts an existing 
geothermal energy research and development 
program.
``(ii) Whether the entity has proven 
technical expertise to support geothermal 
energy research.
``(iii) Whether the entity has access to 
geothermal resources.
``(C) Purpose.--The center of excellence referred 
to in subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among existing 
FORGE sites, the Department, and National Laboratories 
to carry out the following:
``(i) Advance research, development, 
demonstration, and commercial application of 
next-generation geothermal energy technologies, 
including supercritical geothermal 
technologies, in response to industry and 
commercial needs, including by partnering with 
other academic or research institutions, 
industry, non-governmental organizations, and 
State, local, or Tribal governments.
``(ii) Foster collaboration for education, 
research, and partnership initiatives in order 
to support the technology, deployment, and 
workforce needs of the United States geothermal 
energy industry, including a focus on next-
generation geothermal systems.
``(iii) Support workforce development 
across the next-generation geothermal systems 
energy development lifecycle.
``(iv) Provide educational, technical, and 
analytical assistance on next-generation 
geothermal systems to Federal agencies, 
industry, and State, local, and Tribal 
governments.
``(v) Collect and disseminate information 
on best practices in all areas relating to 
developing and managing geothermal energy 
resources and energy systems, including next-
generation geothermal systems.
``(5) Commercial-readiness innovation grants.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants 
to accelerate the development, testing, and 
implementation of innovative technologies identified as 
areas for improving the performance of commercial 
geothermal energy projects using next-generation 
geothermal systems.
``(B) Focus areas.--Grants may be awarded under 
this paragraph for innovative technologies, including 
the following:
``(i) Hardrock drilling equipment, 
components, and systems, including bit design 
and vibration control.
``(ii) Reservoir characterization, well 
design and spacing, and completions.
``(iii) Data acquisition and analysis, 
including fiber optic sensing tools and 
methodologies.
``(C) Applications.--
``(i) In general.--An entity seeking a 
grant under this paragraph shall submit to the 
Secretary an application at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require.
``(ii) Prioritization.--In awarding grants 
under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give 
priority to the following:
``(I) Applicants, including for-
profit entities and public-private 
partnerships, with demonstrated 
expertise relating to in-field 
development and commercial operations 
for geothermal energy projects.
``(II) Projects with the greatest 
ability to advance near-term commercial 
deployment of enhanced geothermal 
systems and closed-loop geothermal 
systems.
``(III) Projects that advance the 
commercialization of geothermal energy 
projects in diverse geological 
conditions or supercritical conditions.
``(D) Cost sharing.--The Federal share of the cost 
of a project carried out with a grant under this 
paragraph shall be not more than 80 percent.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Such amounts shall be 
derived from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the 
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department.''; 
and
(5) in section 617 (42 U.S.C. 17196; relating to 
organization and administration of programs)--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on 
Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains the 
following:
``(1) A description of the maximum potential of geothermal 
resources in the United States, including a consideration of 
next-generation geothermal systems.
``(2) Information relating to the results of projects 
undertaken under this section.
``(3) An assessment of the barriers to commercialization of 
next-generation geothermal technologies.
``(4) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
appropriate.''.
(b) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 
1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
by inserting ``quadrennially'' before 
``update'';
(ii) in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(3) to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing 
regions of the United States, including the United States 
territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, 
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with significant 
potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined 
in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).''; and
(B) by striking subsection (d).
(2) First update.--The first quadrennial update to the 
geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States 
Geological Survey under subsection (c) of section 2501 of the 
Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by paragraph (1), shall 
be completed by not later than two years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is amended by amending 
the item relating to section 615 to read as follows:

``Sec. 615. Next-generation geothermal systems research and 
development.''.
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