Search Grant Opportunities

Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation

ID: DE-FOA-0003472 • Type: Posted
Opportunity Assistant

Hello! Please let me know your questions about this opportunity. I will answer based on the available opportunity documents.

Sign in to upload a capability statement or catalogue for your company

Some suggestions:
Please summarize the work to be completed under this opportunity
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
I'd like to anonymously submit a question to the procurement officer(s)

Description

This NOFO targets field-scale tests at depths and temperatures appropriate for full-scale project development. These tests are intended to support research and development (R&D), testing, and evaluation of next-generation development technologies and approaches, and the applicability of those approaches in select real-world conditions. Additionally, this NOFO targets exploration drilling activities required to gather data to support the characterization and potential confirmation of promising next generation and hydrothermal prospects for electrical power production. These projects will directly support the DOE's emphasis on learning-by-doing and helping to identify and focus R&D priorities. In the end, the knowledge gained from these tests will support future funding decisions regarding the development approach and the location for development. Strategic goals for this NOFO are derived from the GeoVision Roadmap, and GTO's Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP).
Background
The Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation NOFO is issued by the Department of Energy (DOE), specifically the Office of Geothermal. This initiative aims to advance geothermal energy technologies through field-scale tests that support research, development, and evaluation of next-generation geothermal systems. The goal is to enhance understanding of geothermal resources and facilitate their commercial viability, thereby contributing to the DOE's mission of promoting energy innovation and sustainability.

Grant Details
This NOFO encompasses several key tasks aimed at advancing geothermal technology:

1. Conduct field-scale tests at depths and temperatures suitable for full-scale project development.

2. Support R&D, testing, and evaluation of next-generation geothermal technologies in real-world conditions.

3. Facilitate exploration drilling activities to gather data for characterizing and confirming promising geothermal prospects for electrical power production.

4. Engage in learning-by-doing to identify R&D priorities and inform future funding decisions regarding development approaches and locations.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, Indian Tribes, and DOE/NNSA federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Foreign entities may apply but must include a waiver request. Applicants must demonstrate majority domestic ownership and control, with work performed in the United States.

Period of Performance
The estimated period of performance for projects under this NOFO is from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031.

Grant Value
The total available funding across all topic areas is approximately $171,500,000 for FY2023 through FY2025. Individual awards may range from $4 million to $25 million depending on the specific topic area.

Place of Performance
All work funded under this NOFO must be performed in the United States.
Show All

Overview

Agency
Golden Field Office (GFO) [DOE - EERE]
Category of Funding
Energy
Funding Instruments
Cooperative Agreement
Grant Program (CFDA)
81.087 - Renewable Energy Research and Development
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
True
Source
Grants.gov
On 2/25/26 Golden Field Office posted grant opportunity DE-FOA-0003472 for Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation with funding of $171.5 million. The grant will be issued under grant program 81.087 Renewable Energy Research and Development. It is expected that 40 total grants will be made worth between $1.0 million and $25.0 million.

Timing

Posted Date
Feb. 25, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EST
Closing Date
March 27, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT Due in 12 Days
Last Updated
Feb. 25, 2026, 9:12 a.m. EST
Version
1
Archive Date
April 26, 2026

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Award Sizing

Ceiling
$25,000,000
Floor
$1,000,000
Estimated Program Funding
$171,500,000
Estimated Number of Grants
40

Contacts

Contact
Golden Field Office
Contact Email
amber.walls@ee.doe.gov   Profile
Email Description
Click to email contact
Contact Phone
(202) 287-1878
Additional Information
EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange
Additional Information Site
https://eere-exchange.energy.gov

Documents

Posted documents for DE-FOA-0003472

Potential Applicants and Partners

Awardees that have recently won grants similar to DE-FOA-0003472

Incumbent or Similar Grants

Grants similar to DE-FOA-0003472

Similar Active Opportunities

Open grant opportunities similar to DE-FOA-0003472

Experts for Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation

Recommended subject matter experts available for hire