DOE offering $20M for technologies that shorten drilling time

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding up to $20 million for faster drilling technologies to shorten the time it takes to develop geothermal projects.

These technologies will help dramatically lower the cost of geothermal drilling—which can account for more than 50 percent of a project’s total costs.

“There is incredible, untapped potential to use the heat beneath our feet to meet our energy demands with a renewable source that can be found in all pockets of this country,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “Not only is the use of geothermal energy a significant asset for reaching a carbon-free grid by 2035, it can drive the creation of good-paying jobs in energy communities as the country transitions to cleaner, more reliable energy sources.”

The Drilling Demos initiative is led by DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO). Demonstrations within this latest initiative will accelerate the transfer of geothermal drilling advancements from the laboratory to the marketplace.

For this initiative, GTO is seeking applications from drilling services providers, well service companies, research institutions, geothermal operators and developers, and other entities that can increase the average daily drilling penetration rates for geothermal wells. Also, entities that control well access and operations—both commercial and government-funded—are encouraged to apply.

Letters of intent are due by April 4, and full applications are due June 3.