H.R. 8790House119th Congress (2025-2027)Passed House

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated July 23, 2026 at 1:12 AM UTC

The Next‑Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act updates the Energy Independence and Security Act to promote research, development, demonstration and commercial use of advanced geothermal technologies. It adds definitions for closed‑loop and next‑generation geothermal systems, including enhanced and supercritical geothermal, and directs the Department of Energy and other agencies to fund and coordinate work on these technologies. The bill targets federal agencies, national labs, universities, private companies, and the geothermal industry, aiming to expand data sharing, improve drilling and reservoir techniques, and assess water use.

Key Provisions

Adds clear definitions for closed‑loop, next‑generation, and supercritical geothermal systems.
Expands DOE geothermal research programs to include advanced tools like machine‑learning, closed‑loop, and supercritical conditions.
Creates a publicly accessible data repository and requires regular updates, standardization, and inter‑agency data sharing.
Mandates that at least one FORGE site be equipped for next‑generation geothermal testing within a year of enactment.
Establishes a Next‑Generation Geothermal Research and Development Program with focus areas such as well completion, permeability management, materials, sensors, water‑rock chemistry, and deep drilling.
Requires a Center of Excellence to coordinate research, education, and workforce development for next‑generation geothermal technologies.
Provides commercial‑readiness innovation grants for hard‑rock drilling equipment, reservoir characterization, and data acquisition tools, with up to 80% federal cost sharing.
Orders periodic reports on geothermal resource potential, project results, commercialization barriers, and water use impacts.
Authorizes $150 million per fiscal year from 2027‑2031 to fund these activities.
Updates the geothermal resource assessment to occur every four years and to evaluate supercritical geothermal potential in all U.S. territories.

Legislative Activity

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13 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

July 21, 2026

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 13, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

May 13, 2026

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

May 20, 2026

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

May 20, 2026

HouseCommittee

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

July 16, 2026

HouseCommittee

Committee on Natural Resources discharged.

Natural Resources Committee

July 16, 2026

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655.

July 16, 2026

HouseFloor

Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

July 20, 2026 • 5:28 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670)

July 20, 2026 • 5:28 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790.

July 20, 2026 • 5:28 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)

July 20, 2026 • 5:38 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)

July 20, 2026 • 5:38 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

July 20, 2026 • 5:38 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

July 21, 2026

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about H.R. 8790 on the floor

2 Republicans1 Democrat

Rep. Brian BabinR-TX-36 · Jul 20, 2026

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8790) to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial…

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8790) to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise

and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8790, the bill that is now under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Harrigan and Salinas.

This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include novel geothermal approaches and directs the Department of Energy to support these baseload energy-producing technologies.

Thanks to breakthroughs in drilling methods pioneered by the oil-and- gas sector, we can now drill deeper and increase rock permeability.

As a result, regions of the United States that were once unable to support baseload geothermal electricity generation are now viable for power production.

This comes at an important time as we race to connect baseload energy to the grid to ensure that we have both reliable power and the grid stability needed to support continued economic growth and technological advancement.

The bill directs the Department of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior to facilitate the sharing of geothermal data and to improve understanding of the subsurface.

This legislation also provides a critical update to the Department of the Interior's drilling data repository by including additional data sources, periodic updates, and standardized data to enhance its overall functionality and usability.

Curating data from public lands gives the government, academia, and industry a better understanding of the subsurface and the resources beneath our feet.

This bill also builds upon the success of the Department of Energy's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, or FORGE, by requiring next-generation geothermal testing at one or more additional FORGE sites, if deemed necessary by the Department of Energy.

Research conducted at FORGE has provided clear evidence that, through innovative drilling, next-generation geothermal systems can be used to generate power.

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act authorizes the Department of Energy to foster this emerging industry by awarding grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies that improve the performance of next-generation geothermal energy projects.

Madam Speaker, I will express my appreciation for the work of Representatives Harrigan and Salinas on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, July 13, 2026.

Hon. Brian Babin,

Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Babin: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the

``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'',

which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered

reported on May 20, 2026.

There are certain provisions of H.R. 8790 that fall within

the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural

Resources. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring

this legislation before the House of Representatives in an

expeditious manner, and accordingly agree that the Committee

on Natural Resources shall be discharged from further

consideration of the bill. However, this is conditional on

our mutual understanding that by the forgoing consideration

of H.R. 8790 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over the subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation that falls within the Committee on Natural

Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the

Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also

request that the Committee on Natural Resources be

appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar

legislation as it moves forward. Further, this does not

prejudice the Committee on Natural Resources with respect to

the appointment of conferees, and should a conference on the

bill be necessary, I appreciate your agreement to support my

request to have the Committee represented on the conference

committee.

Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your

response acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the

Committee on Natural Resources in the bill be included in the

Committee Report and Congressional Record during

consideration of H.R. 8790 on the House floor.

Sincerely,

Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harrigan).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Madam Speaker, the need for the United States to increase reliable baseload energy is very clear.

To help meet this demand, the House has recently passed multiple bills to accelerate the development of geothermal energy. This legislation builds on those efforts and will help geothermal play an even greater role in meeting our Nation's energy needs.

H.R. 8790 authorizes and directs the Department of Energy to support the research and development of next-generation geothermal technologies, helping ensure that American leadership in this emerging industry remains number one.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Harrigan for his leadership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this simple bipartisan measure.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Andrea SalinasD-OR-6 · Jul 20, 2026

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Americans are facing an affordability crisis. When I talk with Oregonians, they tell me one of the biggest challenges they…

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, Americans are facing an affordability crisis. When I talk with Oregonians, they tell me one of the biggest challenges they face right now is the rising cost of electricity.

In addition to rising demand, aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs, and climate-change-driven disasters like winter ice storms, wildfires, and drought are also driving up the cost of electricity. We need more tools to ensure we can deliver the reliability and affordability that consumers need.

Geothermal energy already delivers clean, round-the-clock power in the Western U.S. Building on these innovations, next-gen geothermal technologies can play an important part in the transition to an affordable and reliable clean energy future across the country.

Oregon is already a leader in this space, producing the fifth most geothermal electricity in the U.S. Oregon Institute of Technology opened Oregon's first geothermal power plant at their Klamath Falls campus, and for 60 years the school has heated buildings and supplied hot water with geothermal energy.

Now, Oregon is leading the charge with next-gen geothermal technologies. Newberry Volcano in central Oregon is a hot spot--anybody laugh?--for geothermal innovation. The industry is piloting commercial- scale power plants there, and they are demonstrating new technologies that will allow geothermal systems to operate in extreme heat conditions, which greatly expands the role that these resources can play in our energy mix.

This is not just about Oregon or the Mountain West anymore. Next-gen geothermal technologies will make it feasible to deploy geothermal energy across the country and serve as a critical tool in the fight against climate change. This renewable energy will help meet America's energy needs across the Nation.

The Federal Government needs to lean in, partner with the private sector, and ensure these technologies move quickly to market so that Americans feel the benefit sooner rather than later.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, will support geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts at the Department of Energy to overcome the remaining engineering challenges and take this technology from promise to reality.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague Mr. Harrigan for his leadership on this sensible, bipartisan bill, and I urge everyone to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8790. I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Pat HarriganR-NC-10 · Jul 20, 2026

Madam Speaker, when Americans think about energy, they usually think about things that we can see: oil fields, natural gas pipelines, nuclear power plants, wind farms. One of the greatest energy…

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued July 21, 2026

IIB

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8790

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 21, 2026

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

AN ACT

To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act.

Geothermal energy

(a)

In general

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–140) is amended—

(1)

in section 612 (42 U.S.C. 17191; relating to definitions)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively;

(B)

by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph:

(1)

Closed-loop geothermal systems

The term closed-loop geothermal systems means a wellbore or subsurface circuit of wellbores containing a fluid heated through contact with the borehole wall.

;

(C)

by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph:

(9)

Next-generation geothermal systems

The term next-generation geothermal systems means—

(A)

enhanced geothermal systems;

(B)

closed-loop geothermal systems;

(C)

in supercritical conditions—

(i)

enhanced geothermal systems; or

(ii)

closed-loop geothermal systems; and

(D)

other innovative energy technologies.

; and

(D)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(11)

Supercritical geothermal

The term supercritical geothermal means energy derived from a subsurface rock resource in-situ existing at or above the supercritical conditions, whether relating to temperature or pressure, of the primary fluid present.

;

(2)

in section 613(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 17192(b)(1); relating to hydrothermal research and development), by striking advanced geologic tools to assist and inserting advanced tools, including machine learning algorithms, to assist;

(3)

in section 614 (42 U.S.C. 17193; relating to general geothermal systems research and development)—

(A)

in subsection (d)(1), by striking among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and inserting across the Department; and

(B)

in subsection (h)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), by inserting and publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations, after geothermal drilling information; and

(ii)

in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

(C)

Updates

The repository established under paragraph (1) shall be periodically updated in order to carry out the following:

(i)

Standardize data in a uniform manner to the maximum extent practicable and enable analysis across different projects.

(ii)

Enhance the accessibility and usability of data to increase analysis of geothermal energy and next-generation geothermal systems on regional, local, and site-specific scales.

(iii)

Increase uses of data, including data viewable by map and organization by common attributes, such as region.

(iv)

Make other improvements in functionality and usability, as determined by the Secretary.

(D)

Memorandum of understanding

(i)

In general

The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior, and with the heads of other relevant Federal departments, for notifying, sharing, and providing opportunities for additional data collection regarding shared geothermal development data from projects funded by the Department of the Interior and each such other relevant department, including data from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects, such as subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology data, boundaries of State and federally protected areas, and existing transmission capacity.

(ii)

Prioritization

To the maximum extent practicable, activities conducted pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under clause (i) shall prioritize heat, lithology, and strain profiles through deep exploration boreholes and control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.

(E)

Regional data probes

The Secretary of the Interior may, in consultation with the Secretary, commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces in the United States to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development. The resulting data shall include an exploration of heat, lithology, and strain profiles, and shall be shared publicly on the repository established under paragraph (1).

(F)

Study on site selection characteristics for supercritical geothermal

The Secretary of the Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary, conduct a study on site selection characteristics in representative geological provinces in the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical geothermal.

;

(4)

in section 615 (42 U.S.C. 17194; relating to enhanced geothermal systems research and development)—

(A)

in the section heading, by striking Enhanced and inserting Next-generation;

(B)

in subsection (a), by striking enhanced and inserting next-generation;

(C)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in the heading, by inserting and closed-loop after Enhanced;

(ii)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and closed-loop after enhanced;

(iii)

in paragraph (11), by striking and after the semicolon;

(iv)

in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and

(v)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(13)

the research topics specified in subparagraphs (1) through (12) in supercritical conditions.

;

(D)

in subsection (c)—

(i)

by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and

(ii)

by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:

(7)

Next-generation geothermal testing

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that at least one FORGE site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing, including in supercritical conditions.

; and

(E)

by adding at the end the following new subsections:

(e)

Next-generation geothermal research and development program

(1)

In general

Within the Geothermal Technologies Office of the Department, the Secretary shall support a program of next-generation geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, including in supercritical conditions.

(2)

Focus areas

(A)

In general

The program described in paragraph (1) shall focus on the following topics:

(i)

Well completion.

(ii)

Permeability creation and management, including proppants and packers.

(iii)

Materials development and equipment design, including power production, specific to supercritical geothermal systems.

(iv)

Sensor development.

(v)

Water-rock geochemistry.

(vi)

Rock properties.

(vii)

Hard rock and deep drilling.

(viii)

Any other topics the Secretary determines necessary.

(B)

Prioritization

In carrying out next-generation geothermal research under the program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize projects best able to produce iterative data for deep drilling projects in unique geodynamic settings on the following topics:

(i)

Characterization and crustal stress.

(ii)

Lab work.

(iii)

Drilling.

(iv)

Stimulation.

(v)

Power production.

(C)

Administration

The Secretary may administer grants to institutions of higher education and private sector entities to carry out activities on the topics specified in subparagraph (A) and, to the maximum extent practicable, share data, results, and information publicly.

(3)

Report on water use

Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the following:

(A)

Water use and estimated needs of enhanced geothermal systems.

(B)

Water use and estimated needs for closed-loop, and next-generation geothermal energy production.

(C)

The ability of next-generation geothermal systems to use brackish and nonpotable water.

(D)

The withdrawal and consumption of water per megawatt hour of next-generation geothermal systems, as compared to other power-generation technologies.

(E)

Technological and operational improvements that could lead to decreases in water withdrawal and consumption of next-generation geothermal systems.

(4)

Next-generation geothermal center of excellence

(A)

Establishment

The Secretary shall award grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, to National Laboratories (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), multi-institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutes of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the following:

(i)

The continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites, including activities in supercritical conditions.

(ii)

The establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.

(B)

Location

In selecting National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) for a center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:

(i)

Whether the entity hosts an existing geothermal energy research and development program.

(ii)

Whether the entity has proven technical expertise to support geothermal energy research.

(iii)

Whether the entity has access to geothermal resources.

(C)

Purpose

The center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among existing FORGE sites, the Department, and National Laboratories to carry out the following:

(i)

Advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of next-generation geothermal energy technologies, including supercritical geothermal technologies, in response to industry and commercial needs, including by partnering with other academic or research institutions, industry, non-governmental organizations, and State, local, or Tribal governments.

(ii)

Foster collaboration for education, research, and partnership initiatives in order to support the technology, deployment, and workforce needs of the United States geothermal energy industry, including a focus on next-generation geothermal systems.

(iii)

Support workforce development across the next-generation geothermal systems energy development lifecycle.

(iv)

Provide educational, technical, and analytical assistance on next-generation geothermal systems to Federal agencies, industry, and State, local, and Tribal governments.

(v)

Collect and disseminate information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and managing geothermal energy resources and energy systems, including next-generation geothermal systems.

(5)

Commercial-readiness innovation grants

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall award grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies identified as areas for improving the performance of commercial geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.

(B)

Focus areas

Grants may be awarded under this paragraph for innovative technologies, including the following:

(i)

Hardrock drilling equipment, components, and systems, including bit design and vibration control.

(ii)

Reservoir characterization, well design and spacing, and completions.

(iii)

Data acquisition and analysis, including fiber optic sensing tools and methodologies.

(C)

Applications

(i)

In general

An entity seeking a grant under this paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(ii)

Prioritization

In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to the following:

(I)

Applicants, including for-profit entities and public-private partnerships, with demonstrated expertise relating to in-field development and commercial operations for geothermal energy projects.

(II)

Projects with the greatest ability to advance near-term commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems and closed-loop geothermal systems.

(III)

Projects that advance the commercialization of geothermal energy projects in diverse geological conditions or supercritical conditions.

(D)

Cost sharing

The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this paragraph shall be not more than 80 percent.

(f)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Such amounts shall be derived from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department.

; and

(5)

in section 617 (42 U.S.C. 17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)—

(A)

in subsection (e), by striking Committee on Science and Technology and inserting Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; and

(B)

by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

(f)

Progress reports

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains the following:

(1)

A description of the maximum potential of geothermal resources in the United States, including a consideration of next-generation geothermal systems.

(2)

Information relating to the results of projects undertaken under this section.

(3)

An assessment of the barriers to commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies.

(4)

Such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(b)

Update to geothermal resource assessment

(1)

In general

Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (c)—

(i)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting quadrennially before update;

(ii)

in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), by striking and at the end;

(iii)

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iv)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3)

to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing regions of the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with significant potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).

; and

(B)

by striking subsection (d).

(2)

First update

The first quadrennial update to the geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States Geological Survey under subsection (c) of section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by paragraph (1), shall be completed by not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c)

Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Energy Independence and Security

Act of 2007 is amended by amending the item relating to section 615 to read as follows:

Sec. 615. Next-generation geothermal systems research and development.

Passed the House of Representatives July 20, 2026.

Kevin F. McCumber,

Clerk.