On September 8, 2022, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm announced the Enhanced Geothermal Shot, the fourth shot announced in the DOE’s Energy Earthshots Initiative.[1] The Enhanced Geothermal Shot aims to make enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) a widespread renewable energy option by cutting the cost of the technology by 90% to $45/MWh by 2035. EGS extracts heat by creating a subsurface fracture system to which water can be added through injection wells. Unlike present geothermal generation, which comes from hydrothermal reservoirs and is limited in geographic application, EGS could extend the use of geothermal resources to larger areas. According to the press release, more than five terawatts of heat resources exist in the U.S.

The DOE is investing in research and development to help reach the Enhanced Geothermal Shot goals. Recent investments include $44 million to help spur EGS innovations for DOE’s Frontier Observatory for Geothermal Energy Research (FORGE) field laboratory and up to $165 million to transfer best practices from oil and gas to advance both EGS and conventional geothermal. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) also included $84 million in funding to support four pilot EGS demonstration projects. Similar to its other Energy Earthshots Initiatives, the DOE plans to hold an Enhanced Geothermal Shot Summit.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-energy-earthshot-slash-cost-geothermal-power