The Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) of the US Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled a funding opportunity of up to $31 million (EUR 28.5 million) for projects focusing on wellbore construction high-temperature tools and reservoir thermal energy storage (RTES).
The funding initiative is divided into two distinct topic areas. In Topic Area 1, projects centered around downhole cement and casing evaluation tools designed for high-temperature and challenging geothermal wellbores will compete for a funding pool of up to $23.1 million. The primary objective is to address cost reductions and technical challenges associated with wellbore construction, particularly in the realm of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
Dedicated to a demonstration project, Topic Area 2 focuses on low-temperature RTES technology with applications in industrial processes. Approximately $7.9 million has been allocated for projects falling under this category.
The GTO anticipates making multiple awards, ranging from $100,000 to $10 million, throughout fiscal years 2024 to 2028, as outlined in the official announcement.
Interested parties are required to submit letters of intent by March 1, 2024, with full applications due by April 1, 2024, signaling a strategic timeline for potential participants to engage with this funding opportunity.
