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Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

7/29/2026, 5:35 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8790

This bill, introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 8790 on May 13, 2026, aims to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The bill specifically focuses on directing research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities to support next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions.

Congressional Summary of HR 8790

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. 

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 8790

Bill HR 8790 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since July 21, 2026. Bill HR 8790 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on May 13, 2026.  Bill HR 8790's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of July 21, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8790

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8790

Primary Policy Focus

Energy

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 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.
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.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 8790

Pat Harrigan
Pat Harrigan
North CarolinaIndependent
Andrea Salinas
Andrea Salinas
OregonDemocrat

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