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Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $4.45 million for early-stage development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) tools and technologies. The Zonal Isolation for Manmade Geothermal Reservoirs funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will seek to improve the performance and economics of EGS systems by funding research in zonal isolation.

Zonal isolation technologies can radically improve the performance and economics of EGS, or manmade geothermal reservoirs. These technologies provide the ability to target specific zones for stimulation activities, which can enable the command and control of fracture location and the economy of resources. In turn, this reduces development costs and operational risks associated with EGS development and promotes more power from fewer wellbores.

EGS has the potential to provide a stable and secure source of renewable power across the nation, while creating jobs. Investing in EGS technologies could lead to more than 100 gigawatts (GW) of economically viable, electric generating capacity in the continental U.S., which currently stands at 3.8 GW.

The projects selected from this FOA will aim to develop reliable zonal isolation tools and technologies that present low risk to wellbore integrity or the conductivity of fractures; operate at high-temperatures in corrosive, hard rock environments for extended periods of time; and withstand large pressure differentials.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on July 25.