Sec. 224. Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy
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The Secretary shall support the establishment and construction of up to 3 field research sites operated by public or academic entities, which shall each be known as a Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy or FORGE site to develop, test, and enhance techniques and tools for enhanced geothermal energy. The Secretary shall— award grants in support of research and development projects focused on advanced monitoring technologies, new technologies and approaches for implementing multi-zone stimulations, and dynamic reservoir modeling that incorporates all available high-fidelity characterization data; and seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged in research and development of geothermal systems and related technology.
Of the FORGE sites referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall— consider applications through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, from National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, institutes of higher education and other appropriate entities best suited to provide national leadership on geothermal related issues and perform the duties enumerated under subsection (b); and prioritize existing field sites and facilities with capabilities relevant to the duties enumerated under subsection (b).
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the FORGE activities under this section— $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider the balance between funds dedicated to construction and operations and research activities to reflect the state of site development.