Geothermal Field Tests and Resource Characterization Opportunity
Summary
The GSA has announced a funding opportunity for next-generation geothermal field tests and resource characterization. This initiative, managed by the Golden Field Office, aims to support research and development in geothermal energy technologies and exploration drilling. The application deadline is March 27, 2026.
What changed
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), through its Grants.gov platform, has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA DE-FOA-0003472) for "Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation." This initiative targets field-scale tests and exploration drilling to advance geothermal energy development technologies and confirm promising prospects for electrical power production. The program is managed by the Department of Energy's Golden Field Office and aligns with strategic goals from the GeoVision Roadmap and GTO's Multi-Year Program Plan. The total program funding is $171,500,000, with expected awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $25,000,000.
Eligible applicants, described as unrestricted, must submit applications through Grants.gov by March 27, 2026. This opportunity requires cost sharing or matching and will result in cooperative agreements. The initiative supports the DOE's emphasis on learning-by-doing to identify R&D priorities and inform future development decisions. Companies and research institutions involved in renewable energy research and development should review the detailed requirements and application process outlined in the FOA documents.
What to do next
- Review FOA DE-FOA-0003472 for eligibility and requirements
- Prepare and submit applications via Grants.gov by March 27, 2026
- Ensure cost sharing or matching requirements are met
Source document (simplified)
Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation
Agency: Golden Field Office
Assistance Listings: 81.087 -- Renewable Energy Research and Development
Last Updated: February 25, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
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). Show full description
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Unrestricted
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Amber A. Walls 720-661-5458
amber.walls@ee.doe.gov
Angel Daniel Nieto 240-562-1448
angel.nieto@ee.doe.gov
Click to email contact
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DE-FOA-0003472Next-GenerationGeothermalFieldTestsandGeothermalResourceCharacterizationandConfirmationPart2.docx | DE-FOA-0003472 Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation Part 2 | Feb 25, 2026 02:13 PM UTC |
| DE-FOA-0003472Next-GenerationGeothermalFieldTestsandGeothermalResourceCharacterizationandConfirmationPart1.docx | DE-FOA-0003472 Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation Part 1 | Feb 25, 2026 02:13 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange
Closing: March 27, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$171,500,000
Program Funding
40
Expected awards
$1,000,000
Award Minimum
$25,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
DE-FOA-0003472
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Yes Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Energy
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
February 25, 2026
Archive date:
April 26, 2026
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