DE FOA 0000318 Geothermal Energy Production from (A) Low Temperature Resources, (B) Coproduced Fluids, and (C) Geopressured Resources | Apply Online

FAQs: DOE Geothermal Technologies Program Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0000318

What is DE-FOA-0000318?

DE-FOA-0000318 is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP) funding opportunity focused on advancing "non-conventional" geothermal resources. The goal is to prove practical and cost-effective approaches for generating power from geothermal resources that are not the traditional high-temperature hydrothermal fields.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The main purpose is to broaden DOE partnerships and support research, development, and especially demonstration projects across the United States that show non-conventional geothermal resources can work both technically and economically, helping move them closer to commercial deployment.

Which DOE program is sponsoring this opportunity?

This opportunity is sponsored by the DOE Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP).

What types of geothermal resources does the FOA target?

The FOA highlights three resource categories:

• Low-temperature geothermal resources (fluids not hot enough for conventional steam plants but potentially usable with appropriate conversion technology)
• Coproduced fluids (hot water brought to the surface as a byproduct of other operations, such as oil and gas production, mineral extraction, or mining)
• Geopressured resources (deep, high-pressure hot brine formations that may also contain dissolved natural gas)

What does "non-conventional" geothermal mean in the context of this FOA?

In this FOA, "non-conventional" geothermal refers to resources beyond traditional high-temperature hydrothermal reservoirs. These resources may be lower temperature, produced incidentally through other industrial activity, or technically complex (such as geopressured formations), and they are generally less deployed commercially today.

What kinds of activities does DOE want to fund: research or demonstrations?

Both are in scope, but the FOA emphasizes demonstration and de-risking pathways that can be replicated. Projects are expected to include strong R&D elements even when they include field demonstrations.

What conversion technologies are implied for low-temperature geothermal resources?

The FOA notes that low-temperature fluids can still produce electricity when paired with appropriate conversion technologies, commonly binary-cycle systems using organic working fluids.

What are coproduced fluids, and why does DOE care about them?

Coproduced fluids are hot waters brought to the surface as a byproduct of other operations like oil and gas production, mineral extraction, or mining. DOE is interested in capturing the heat from these fluids for power generation or other beneficial energy uses instead of treating the produced water only as a disposal or management issue.

What are geopressured resources, and what makes them challenging?

Geopressured resources are deep formations containing hot brines under high pressure and often dissolved natural gas. They can offer multiple potential value streams (heat, pressure energy, and gas) but are technically challenging and have historically had limited commercial success. DOE interest is tied to overcoming the barriers that have restricted broader use.

What is the funding instrument used for this opportunity?

The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial DOE involvement during the project period compared to a standard grant. DOE typically expects to participate in key technical decisions, review milestones, and monitor progress closely, which aligns with the FOA's focus on demonstration and risk reduction.

What is the activity category and CFDA number for this opportunity?

The activity category is Energy. The CFDA listing is 81.087, Renewable Energy Research and Development.

Is cost sharing required?

Yes. The FOA includes a cost sharing requirement, meaning applicants must contribute a portion of total project costs from non-federal sources.

Does the summary specify the exact cost share percentage?

No. The information provided indicates that cost sharing is required, but the exact percentage and detailed rules are stated in the full FOA text.

Why does DOE require cost share for this opportunity?

Cost share signals DOE's intent to ensure recipients have financial commitment and that projects have credible commercialization or deployment interest. This is particularly relevant for demonstration projects where drilling, surface equipment, and integration costs can be substantial.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is essentially open to any type of entity as long as it meets the requirements in the full announcement.

What kinds of applicants are likely to be a fit for this FOA?

Based on the scope described, likely applicants include private companies (geothermal developers and oil and gas operators), technology vendors (such as binary plant manufacturers, heat exchanger companies, pumping providers, and downhole tool providers), universities, national laboratories, and potentially state agencies or municipal utilities.

Are partnerships or teams encouraged?

The FOA intent is to broaden DOE's partnership with industry, universities, national labs, utilities, and other stakeholders. The description also notes that for coproduced and geopressured concepts, partnerships between resource owners (with access to existing wells and facilities) and technology developers are commonly a good fit.

What kinds of project strengths are implied to matter for selection?

The description suggests DOE is interested in projects that can show site access, operational experience, a clear plan to measure results, measurable performance, manageable costs, and a credible route to commercial application and replication.

When was the FOA posted and when did it close?

The FOA was posted on May 13, 2010, and the closing date was July 9, 2010.

Which DOE office administers this opportunity?

This opportunity is administered through DOE's Golden Field Office.

Where do applicants access the full FOA and official documents?

The public listing points applicants to FedConnect for the full announcement and official documents.

Who is the listed contact for access issues or questions about obtaining the announcement?

The contact listed is Melissa A. Jacobi, Grants and Agreements Specialist. The program email provided is go.geothermal@go.doe.gov.

Is this opportunity focused only on geothermal power, or also other energy uses?

The FOA is aimed at generating power from non-conventional geothermal resources. For coproduced fluids, it also explicitly mentions capturing heat for power generation or other beneficial energy uses.

What is the broader goal behind targeting these non-conventional resources?

The broader goal is to expand the usable geothermal resource base beyond naturally high-temperature, high-permeability reservoirs by supporting projects that can demonstrate performance and economics in resources that are widespread or already being produced incidentally (such as oilfield brines), accelerating progress toward commercial deployment.