DE-FOA-0003472: Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation
Closed
This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Accelerating Scale-up and Pre-piloting of Emerging Chemical Technologies (ASPECT) (DE-FOA-0003647). Status: Closes December 1, 2026 (24 days left). It is in our archive of Golden Field Office notices from 2026.
Golden Field Office offered grants of up to $25.0 million (at least $1.0 million) to any type of organization. It expected to make about 40 awards worth $172 million in total. Applications closed on May 14, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed April 20, 2026. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award ceiling$25.0 million
- Award floor$1.0 million
- Total funding$172 million
- Expected awards40
- Cost sharingRequired
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Key dates
| Posted | February 25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | May 14, 2026 |
| Archived by Grants.gov | June 13, 2026 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to any type of organization.
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Is this a realistic fit?
- Past Renewable Energy Research and Development awards averaged $2.8 million; this notice allows up to $25.0 million per award.
- Most of the program's money (30% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
- The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.
What the grant funds
This NOFO targets field-scale tests at depths and temperatures appropriate for full-scale project development. These tests are intended to support research and development (R&D), testing, and evaluation of next-generation development technologies and approaches, and the applicability of those approaches in select real-world conditions. Additionally, this NOFO targets exploration drilling activities required to gather data to support the characterization and potential confirmation of promising next generation and hydrothermal prospects for electrical power production. These projects will directly support the DOE’s emphasis on learning-by-doing and helping to identify and focus R&D priorities. In the end, the knowledge gained from these tests will support future funding decisions regarding the development approach and the location for development. Strategic goals for this NOFO are derived from the GeoVision Roadmap, and GTO’s Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP).
Who has won Renewable Energy Research and Development grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Renewable Energy Research and Development (81.087) awarded $2.5 billion across 900 grant awards, an average of $2.8 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Oregon | 12 | $112 million |
| University of Utah | Utah | 3 | $107 million |
| Avapco LLC | Georgia | 2 | $103 million |
| Plug Power Inc. | New York | 4 | $75.7 million |
| General Motors LLC | Michigan | 5 | $61.1 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, DE-FOA-0003647, which is open now.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
Questions people ask
Is DE-FOA-0003472 still open?
No. It closed on May 14, 2026. A newer notice is open: DE-FOA-0003647, closes December 1, 2026 (24 days left).
Who can apply for Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation?
Golden Field Office accepted applications from any type of organization.
What is the deadline for Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation?
Closed May 14, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $25.0 million each. About $172 million in total across about 40 awards.
Who has won Renewable Energy Research and Development grants before?
The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Oregon State University, University of Utah, Avapco LLC. The program made 900 awards worth $2.5 billion in that time.
Similar open grants
- Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program
- Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program
- Accelerating Scale-up and Pre-piloting of Emerging Chemical Technologies (ASPECT)
- Strengthening Moldova’s Energy and Trade Security
- Silcon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1
- NOI: PROSPECT Program: Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies