Geothermal Resources’ Value In Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) | DE FOA 0003346

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003346

The Geothermal Resources' Value In Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) funding opportunity (DE FOA 0003346) is a U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) solicitation focused on one central question: how much is geothermal power worth to a rapidly decarbonizing electric grid, and where does it provide the most value. Rather than funding hardware buildouts, the FOA is designed to catalyze regional grid modeling and analysis that can clearly quantify geothermal's contribution to a future clean power system, especially as the U.S. works toward carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050. The work is framed as research and development in support of national climate goals, while also emphasizing equity, environmental justice, and inclusion of underserved communities in the transition.

At the program level, the opportunity sits inside GTO's broader mission to accelerate geothermal deployment through research, development, and demonstration that improves exploration and production technologies. GTO describes a long-term vision of a strong domestic geothermal sector that supports a carbon-free power system and creates economic and environmental benefits across the country. The FOA leans on DOE's Enhanced Geothermal Shot analysis, which finds that with aggressive technology progress in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), geothermal generation could reach roughly 90 gigawatts electric of firm, flexible capacity by 2050. GRID is meant to help decision-makers understand what that potential means in practical grid terms: reliability, flexibility, system costs, and the ability to integrate large amounts of variable renewable generation.

A key theme in the opportunity is geothermal's "value proposition" for a decarbonized grid. Geothermal is highlighted as a clean, firm resource with high capacity factors, around-the-clock availability, and a relatively small land footprint. On top of that traditional baseload role, the FOA points to newer operational concepts such as flexible geothermal dispatch and geothermal paired with storage, which could allow geothermal facilities to provide a wider set of grid services in systems dominated by wind, solar, and storage. The requested modeling studies are intended to capture those services and benefits, not just energy production, so that geothermal is evaluated in a way that reflects how modern power systems operate (for example, meeting peak demand, providing ramping capability, improving resource adequacy, reducing curtailment, and supporting transmission-constrained regions).

The output DOE is looking for is credible, regionally grounded analysis that quantifies geothermal's role in an equitable transition to a decarbonized grid and economy. That includes translating geothermal attributes into measurable system impacts, such as total system cost, reliability outcomes, emissions reductions, and potentially localized benefits that matter for communities. The FOA explicitly connects this work to the administration's goals of building a clean energy economy while ensuring environmental justice and benefits for all Americans, indicating that applicants should treat equity considerations as a core part of study design rather than an afterthought.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity administered by DOE's Golden Field Office. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements, which typically means DOE expects substantial involvement during the project (for example, collaboration on technical direction, milestones, and deliverables). The program is listed under CFDA 81.087 (energy-related assistance). Eligibility is described as unrestricted, which generally means a broad range of entities may apply, such as universities, national labs, private firms, nonprofits, utilities, regional planning organizations, and other qualified groups, subject to the FOA's specific requirements.

The ceiling amount listed for an individual award is $1,500,000. The posting shows an expected awards count of 0 in the provided data, which may reflect a placeholder or a data-entry artifact rather than a statement about intent; applicants would need to confirm anticipated selections and total funding in the full FOA package. The original closing date is September 9, 2024, and the opportunity was created on June 12, 2024, so it is structured as a time-bound competition with a defined submission window.

Overall, GRID is best understood as an analytical and planning-enabling effort: DOE is trying to strengthen the evidence base for where geothermal, including EGS and flexible geothermal concepts, can most effectively support deep decarbonization. By funding rigorous regional grid modeling studies, the FOA aims to reduce uncertainty, improve how geothermal is represented in planning models, and help utilities, regulators, and policymakers make better decisions about investment pathways that keep the grid reliable and affordable while moving quickly toward climate targets.

• The Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Geothermal Resources’ Value In Implementing Decarbonization (GRID)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-12.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

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