Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
Official title: 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.
What Do You Think?
How would you vote?
Vote to see the result.
What Happened in Congress?
July 20, 2026
- HousePassed by voice vote
Where the Bill Stands
- Introduced, done
- Committee, done
- Floor Vote, done
- Outcome, current stage
What This Bill Does
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of next-generation geothermal systems, such as closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to modify and establish geothermal energy programs, such as programs concerning research and development, grants, and data management.
DOE must support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for next-generation geothermal systems. DOE may administer grants for carrying out certain focus areas of the program. DOE must also ensure that at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field research site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing.
Additionally, DOE must provide grants for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites; and (2) the establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.
DOE must also provide grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies to improve the commercial-readiness of geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.
DOE must expand its repository of geothermal drilling information to include publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations. DOE must also periodically update the repository to improve its functionality and usability.
The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in certain areas to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.
Sponsors
Related Documents
Timeline
- SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- House floor actionsMr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Passed the House
- House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
- House committee actionsCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Library of CongressIntroduced in House
- House floor actionsReferred 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.
- Introduced
- Committee



Comments
Comments with insults, hate speech or personal information are removed.