Overview
Title
To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of supercritical geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical various conditions, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 8665 is about helping scientists and engineers figure out new ways to get energy from under the ground by using very hot rocks, so we can have more clean energy. It also makes sure they have money to do this research and keep track of all the important information they find.
Summary AI
H.R. 8665 is a bill that aims to enhance geothermal energy technologies in the United States by amending the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It focuses on research and development of supercritical and closed-loop geothermal systems, which involve extracting energy from deep underground resources. The bill proposes creating a national repository for geothermal data, promoting collaboration between federal departments for data sharing, and establishing a geothermal center of excellence. It also authorizes funds and sets timelines for achieving key objectives, such as updating geothermal resource assessments and enhancing testing capabilities at geothermal sites.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The bill, titled the “Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development Act,” aims to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Its primary focus is on advancing geothermal energy technologies, particularly supercritical geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems. These systems focus on harnessing energy from underground rock resources, typically under very high temperatures and pressures, and could potentially provide a more efficient and powerful energy source compared to traditional geothermal methods.
The bill outlines specific areas for research and development, encourages collaborative efforts between different governmental departments, and establishes a repository for data sharing. Moreover, it proposes the creation of a new geothermal center of excellence to support research, workforce development, and the dissemination of best practices. Funding is authorized through fiscal years 2026 to 2030, with appropriations set at $5 million per year.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues have been identified in the current draft of the bill:
Clarity and Scope: The definition of 'supercritical geothermal' might be too vague, potentially leading to varied interpretations and implementations.
Bureaucratic Complexities: The requirement for a memorandum of understanding involving several federal departments could introduce delays if not managed efficiently.
Financial Implications: The depth requirement for exploration boreholes (greater than eight kilometers) could incur significant costs. Additionally, it is unclear whether the appropriated $5 million per year is sufficient or excessive for realizing the bill’s objectives.
Duplication and Efficiency: There is a risk that the bill’s focus areas might overlap with existing research efforts, causing inefficiencies.
Selection Process: The establishment of a geothermal center of excellence may favor some institutions over others, which needs a fair and transparent selection process to prevent bias.
Data Management Costs: Regular updates to the data repository could be costly. An audit would help determine if the benefits justify the expense.
Timeline Challenges: Mandated regular updates to geothermal assessments could strain resources, potentially resulting in rushed or incomplete assessments.
Potential Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill is a step towards enhancing the use of geothermal energy, which could lead to a more sustainable and diversified energy grid. If successful, supercritical geothermal systems might provide a more reliable and cleaner energy source, benefiting the public by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
However, the high costs associated with deep drilling and developing supercritical technology could translate into higher initial expenditure, which might eventually affect taxpayers. If managed efficiently, these investments could lead to long-term energy savings and environmental benefits.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Research Institutions and Universities: Institutions specializing in geothermal energy could significantly benefit from increased funding and opportunities for collaboration. However, those not selected as part of the center of excellence might miss out on potential advancements and resources.
Government Agencies: Agencies involved in the memorandum of understanding need to manage collaboration effectively to avoid bureaucratic delays that could hinder the bill's objectives.
Energy Industry: Companies invested in renewable energies could find new opportunities for innovation in geothermal technologies. However, existing geothermal companies might face competition from supercritical technologies requiring new investments and infrastructure adaptations.
Local and Tribal Governments: Areas with geothermal resources could see increased investments and jobs. But, they may also need to navigate potential environmental impacts and land use decisions related to deep drilling activities.
In summary, the bill lays the groundwork for advancing geothermal technology but must address issues of clarity, efficiency, and fair distribution of resources and benefits to ensure successful implementation and equitable outcomes.
Financial Assessment
The bill, identified as H.R. 8665, introduces financial allocations aimed at promoting the development and implementation of advanced geothermal energy technologies. The specified financial appropriations in the bill focus on research and programmatic activities related to geothermal systems.
Financial Appropriations:
The legislation authorizes financial appropriations of $5,000,000 per year for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030
. These funds are designated for executing the directives outlined in the new subsection related to supercritical geothermal research and development. The appropriations aim to support various activities, including research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of geothermal energy technologies.
Relation to Issues Identified:
- Justification of Financial Allocations:
One concern associated with the financial allocation of $5,000,000 annually is whether this amount adequately serves the bill's intended goals without resulting in excessive spending. The issue suggests that the allocated funds should be aligned with realistic expectations and carefully monitored to avoid unnecessary expenditures.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis:
The need for frequent updates to a national geothermal data repository, alongside other program requirements, could lead to significant ongoing costs. An assessment or audit might help determine if the benefits derived from these updates justify the expense. This addresses concerns about the value and efficiency of the financial resources being allocated.
- Preventing Overlap in Funding Research:
There is a potential overlap between newly funded focus areas under the supercritical geothermal research program and existing research efforts. This overlap could result in inefficiencies where financial resources are not utilized optimally. Considering this issue, it would be prudent to evaluate current research activities to avoid redundancy and ensure funding is directed effectively.
- Equitable Distribution of Funds:
The establishment of a next-generation geothermal center of excellence involves granting funds through a competitive process. This could raise concerns about fair distribution, as some institutions might receive disproportionate benefits. Transparent criteria for selecting institutions should be established to address potential biases and ensure funds are distributed equitably.
In summary, while the financial allocations in the bill aim to advance geothermal energy technologies, it is crucial to ensure that the funding is efficient, equitable, and aligned with the bill's objectives without leading to overspending or redundancy. The financial aspects, therefore, require consistent evaluation to maximize their impact on the geothermal energy sector.
Issues
The definition and scope of 'supercritical geothermal' in SEC. 2(a)(1)(B) could be clarified further to prevent ambiguity in its interpretation, affecting how the bill is implemented and understood by stakeholders.
The memorandum of understanding in SEC. 2(a)(3)(D) involving multiple departments might lead to bureaucratic delays or complexities, thus requiring clear guidelines to ensure efficiency.
The commissioning of deep exploration boreholes in SEC. 2(a)(3)(E) could be a substantial expense. Justification for the depth requirement greater than eight kilometers should be assessed to avoid unnecessary costs.
The authorization of appropriations in SEC. 2(a)(4)(e)(5) is $5,000,000 per fiscal year. The designated amount for research should be reviewed to ensure alignment with goals without overspending.
There may be overlap between the defined focus areas in the Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development Program, SEC. 2(a)(4)(e)(2)(A), and existing research efforts, leading to potential inefficiencies.
The establishment of a next-generation geothermal center of excellence in SEC. 2(a)(4)(e)(4) could unintentionally benefit specific institutions over others, necessitating a transparent and fair selection process.
The requirement for periodic updates to the repository in SEC. 2(a)(3)(ii) could result in significant ongoing costs. An audit could determine if these updates provide value commensurate with the expense.
The update to geothermal resource assessments in SEC. 2(b) every four years could introduce costs that may not match the potential benefits. Additionally, the timeline mandates a quick first update, which could result in rushed or incomplete assessments.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill gives it the title: "Supercritical Geothermal Research and Development Act".
2. Geothermal energy Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section of this bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include supercritical geothermal energy, which is derived from specific underground conditions, and outlines advancements in geothermal research, including the use of machine learning. It establishes a program for research and development in supercritical geothermal systems, details a repository for data sharing, and supports collaboration through a new geothermal center of excellence, with funding authorized through 2030.
Money References
- “(v) Collect and disseminate information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and managing geothermal energy resources and energy systems, including enhanced, closed-loop, and supercritical geothermal. “(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subsection.”; and (5) in section 617 (42 U.S.C. 17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)— (A) in subsection (e), by striking “Committee on Science and Technology” and inserting “Committee on Science, Space, and Technology”; and (B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: “(f) Progress reports.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains the following: “(1) A description of the maximum potential of geothermal resources in the United States. “(2) Information relating to the results of projects undertaken under this section.