Congressman Pat Harrigan's Bipartisan Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act Passes House

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Pat Harrigan's (NC-10) bipartisan Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, co-led with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06). The legislation directs the Department of Energy to accelerate research, development, and commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies capable of dramatically expanding America's supply of reliable, baseload energy.

America has an enormous source of reliable, around-the-clock energy sitting right beneath our feet, and we're only beginning to tap its potential," said Congressman Harrigan. "Next-generation geothermal could transform how we power our homes, businesses, and growing manufacturing sector while helping lower energy costs for hardworking American families. But getting there requires continued innovation. This bipartisan bill helps bridge the gap between research and commercialization, strengthens our energy security, and keeps America at the forefront of the next generation of energy technology. I'm proud to see it pass the House.

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act establishes a dedicated Department of Energy research program focused on supercritical and closed-loop geothermal systems, expands testing capabilities, and creates a Next-Generation Geothermal Center of Excellence to accelerate commercialization and workforce development. Supercritical geothermal wells have the potential to produce more than seven times the energy of conventional geothermal wells, while next-generation geothermal technologies could ultimately provide up to 90 gigawatts of reliable electricity across the United States.

Having passed the House, the legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.