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Bipartisan bill put forward in U.S. to advance geothermal R&D

Bipartisan bill put forward in U.S. to advance geothermal R&D U.S. Congress building, Washington, DC, U.S. (source: flickr/ prameya, creative commons)
Carlo Cariaga 23 Oct 2019

The AGILE Act aims to provide a framework for the accelerated research and development of geothermal energy in the US

US Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) yesterday introduced the bipartisan Advanced Geothermal Innovation Leadership Act of 2019, otherwise known as the ‘AGILE’ Act. This legislation aims to accelerate geothermal energy development in the United States by including provisions for research and development of both existing and enhanced geothermal systems, resource assessment updates, grant program authorization, and improved permitting.

“Geothermal is a highly reliable, zero-emission resource able to provide both heat and power almost anywhere,” according to Murkowski. “Our committee’s June hearing highlighted the opportunity geothermal holds to contribute to America’s energy future, with expanded innovation and deployment. Our new bill addresses both technical and non-technical barriers that have kept us from realizing geothermal’s full potential.”

Earlier this year, the US Department of Energy released the Geovision report which highlighted the country’s potential of up to 60 GW of geothermal power that is yet to be developed.

Murkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where Manchin is a ranking member. In July, Murkowski and Manchin visited the Chena Hot Springs Resort, a low-temperature geothermal facility in Alaska.

Source: Public Now