Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, would amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to expand federal research and development efforts related to advanced geothermal energy. It defines new terms such as "closed-loop geothermal systems," "next-generation geothermal systems," and "supercritical geothermal," and directs the Department of Energy to support research, testing, and commercial-application programs covering areas like drilling, materials, sensors, and water use. It requires at least one FORGE testing site to support next-generation geothermal testing, establishes a competitive grant program and a "center of excellence" for geothermal research, and creates a commercial-readiness grant program with an 80% federal cost-share limit. It also updates data-sharing and geothermal resource-assessment requirements, including a quadrennial USGS resource assessment covering U.S. territories, and authorizes $150 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031 for these activities, drawn from existing Energy Department funding.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of the Interior, National Laboratories, universities, and private companies involved in geothermal energy research and development. It aims to improve federal coordination, data access, and technical knowledge to support geothermal energy development, including in high-temperature "supercritical" conditions.
The bill passed the House on July 20, 2026, by voice vote and now goes to the Senate for consideration. No Senate action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of next-generation geothermal systems, such as closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to modify and establish geothermal energy programs, such as programs concerning research and development, grants, and data management.
DOE must support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for next-generation geothermal systems. DOE may administer grants for carrying out certain focus areas of the program. DOE must also ensure that at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field research site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing.
Additionally, DOE must provide grants for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites; and (2) the establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.
DOE must also provide grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies to improve the commercial-readiness of geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.
DOE must expand its repository of geothermal drilling information to include publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations. DOE must also periodically update the repository to improve its functionality and usability.
The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in certain areas to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
20 May 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8790 do?
- H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, would amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to expand federal research and development efforts related to advanced geothermal energy. It defines new terms such as "closed-loop geothermal systems," "next-generation geothermal systems," and "supercritical geothermal," and directs the Department of Energy to support research, testing, and commercial-application programs covering areas like drilling, materials, sensors, and water use. It requires at least one FORGE testing site to support next-generation geothermal testing, establishes a competitive grant program and a "center of excellence" for geothermal research, and creates a commercial-readiness grant program with an 80% federal cost-share limit. It also updates data-sharing and geothermal resource-assessment requirements, including a quadrennial USGS resource assessment covering U.S. territories, and authorizes $150 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031 for these activities, drawn from existing Energy Department funding. The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of the Interior, National Laboratories, universities, and private companies involved in geothermal energy research and development. It aims to improve federal coordination, data access, and technical knowledge to support geothermal energy development, including in high-temperature "supercritical" conditions. The bill passed the House on July 20, 2026, by voice vote and now goes to the Senate for consideration. No Senate action has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 8790 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Jul 2026, H.R. 8790 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 8790?
- H.R. 8790 was sponsored by Rep. Pat Harrigan [R-NC10] (Republican-NC), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8790?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (20 Jul 2026).
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