• Geothermal Energy

Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park

The mission of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Geothermal Program is to work in partnership with U.S. industry to establish geothermal energy as an economically competitive contributor to the U.S. energy supply. Since 1974, the INL has been a key laboratory in executing the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Program, investigating and developing geothermal resource technologies for both direct use and electricity generation, particularly those resources considered marginally economical. Working closely with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories, the INL ensures availability of nationally recognized geothermal leadership to implement a successful national program. Working with both the states and the DOE, INL has assumed leadership in optimizing the region's geothermal resources. INL is the lead laboratory for the DOE Geothermal Energy Program's geoscience research, focused on characterization and management of geothermal reservoirs. INL also coordinates the international geothermal program for DOE as well as both managing and performing research and development activities on many of the other major activities in DOE’s Geothermal Program, including the Heat Cycle, Enhanced Geothermal Systems, and Exploration programs.

In addition, the INL is a key participant in GeoPowering the West. This DOE activity is targeted at reducing cost and increasing deployment of geothermal electric and direct-use applications in the western United States.