DE-FOA-0003472 — Next-Gen Geothermal Field Tests (Round 1, Topics 1 & 6)
Runs research teams and institutions for DE Next Gen Geothermal Field Tests in energy systems, climate technology, and hardware.
⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.
DE-FOA-0003472 is the DOE Office of Geothermal's (formerly EERE Geothermal Technologies Office) largest funding announcement to date, offering up to $171.5 million for next-generation geothermal field tests and resource characterization. The FOA supports the agency's long-range goal of growing U.S. geothermal capacity from approximately 4 GW today to 90 GW by 2050, a 22-fold increase that requires deriving heat from engineered and hydrothermal systems beyond currently productive regions. The NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) is structured to run for up to 72 months with annual review cycles, meaning future rounds may reopen topics that were closed in Round 1.
Round 1 funded two topic areas. Topic 1 — Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Field Tests — offered up to $100 million across 4 to 10 awards, each ranging from $4 million to $25 million, for field-scale EGS demonstrations that inject fluid into engineered fractures in hot dry rock. Topic 6 — Drilling for Resource Exploration — offered up to $71.5 million across 8 to 18 awards for hydrothermal and next-generation geothermal resource characterization and confirmation drilling. Topics 2 through 5 were closed for this round. Letters of Intent were required by March 27, 2026; full applications were due May 14, 2026; award selections are expected July 30, 2026. Eligible applicants include for-profit companies, nonprofits, universities, and research organizations registered in the United States; individuals are not eligible. The full NOFO on EERE Exchange specifies cost-share percentage and scoring criteria.
To compete successfully, applicants must demonstrate a specific geologic target, a credible field test plan, and a team with relevant drilling or reservoir engineering expertise. Cost-share and performance milestones are evaluated through peer review. Proposals should align with the GTO's technical priorities — either demonstrating EGS viability in an untested geologic setting (Topic 1) or characterizing a promising hydrothermal or next-gen resource site (Topic 6). Submissions are via EERE Exchange (eere-exchange.energy.gov), which requires a login.gov account. Because the 72-month NOFO framework remains open, organizations that missed Round 1 should monitor for future topic openings.
Topic 1: EGS Field Tests ($100M, 4–10 awards); Topic 6: Drilling for Resource Exploration ($71.5M, 8–18 awards). Topics 2–5 closed for this round.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see how to apply
Sign up free to see what you submit
Sign up free to see the timeline