Deployment

Geothermal analysis activities provide direction, focus and support for answering key questions pertaining to geothermal technology development and commercialization, and encompass all geothermal technologies pathways—from innovative exploration to surface power conversion. Geothermal analysis provides data and information tools to support the Program's RD&D activities and inform decision-makers.

Analyses guided and supported by the Program primarily focus on:

Techno-Economic
and Financial Analysis
Techno-Economic and
Financial Analysis icon image

Evaluating the benefits and risks of each geothermal technology by reviewing the costs and economic impacts of geothermal development to recognize possible technology outcomes.
Developing and using various modeling tools, such as the Geothermal Electricity Technology Evaluation Model (GETEM), the System Advisor Model (SAM) and Jobs and Economic Development (JEDI) Model to assess geothermal technology and its environmental, economic, and energy benefits.
Providing real time analysis on the latest activities and innovations relevant to current market conditions and anticipating the direct impact on geothermal project financing in the short and long-terms.
Conducting risk assessments to evaluate planned and ongoing technology development activities.

Data and Resource Assessment
Data and Resource Assessment icon image

Collecting nationwide geothermal data, expanding the heat flow database, conducting analyses and maintaining this information in the U.S. DOE Geothermal Data Repository and the National Geothermal Data System for widespread public use to reduce the risk of geothermal energy development.
Developing resource maps and comprehensive geothermal resource assessments and classifications in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Developing supply curves to provide an assessment of the cost of developing geothermal resources based on resource assessments and current and future technologies.

Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts icon image

Conducting life cycle analyses looking at all aspects of a resource and the possible environmental impacts should the resource be tapped.
Working with geothermal power plant operators to measure water consumption and the variability of use in cooling operations, field operations, and other power plant uses in an effort to identify opportunities to improve water use efficiency and reduce consumption.
Solving potential environmental risks associated with Enhanced Geothermal Systems.

Siting and Permitting
Siting and Permitting icon image

Researching the transmission constraints that could affect the development, deliverability, and cost-effectiveness of utility-scale geothermal electricity generation.
Providing information on permitting requirements that need to be followed when developing a geothermal resource.
Helping guide state and local officials develop effective policies that support geothermal electricity generation technologies.