42 USC 17193 - General geothermal systems research and development

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 17, 2024

§ 17193.

General geothermal systems research and development

(a)

Subsurface components and systems

(b)

Environmental impacts

The Secretary shall—

(1)

support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies and practices designed to mitigate or preclude potential adverse environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, production or use;

(2)

support a research program to identify potential environmental impacts, including induced seismicity, and environmental benefits of geothermal energy development, production, and use, and ensure that the program described in paragraph (1) addresses such impacts, including water use and effects on groundwater and local hydrology;

(3)

support a program of research to compare the potential environmental impacts and environmental benefits identified as part of the development, production, and use of geothermal energy with the potential emission reductions of greenhouse gases gained by geothermal energy development, production, and use; and

(4)

in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall,1

 So in original. The words “The Secretary shall” appear in introductory provisions.

to the maximum extent practicable, consult with relevant federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

(c)

Reservoir thermal energy storage

(d)

Oil and gas technology transfer initiative

(1)

In general

(2)

Priorities

(e)

Coproduction of geothermal energy and minerals production research and development initiative

(1)

In general

(2)

Requirements

An award made under paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

improve the cost effectiveness of removing minerals from geothermal brines as part of the coproduction process;

(B)

increase recovery rates of the targeted mineral commodity;

(C)

decrease water use and other environmental impacts, as determined by the Secretary; and

(D)

demonstrate a path to commercial viability.

(f)

Flexible operations

(g)

Integrated energy systems

(h)

Drilling data repository

(1)

In general

(2)

Repository

(A)

In general

(B)

Data system

(Pub. L. 110–140, title VI, § 614, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1680; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title III, § 3002(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2488.)

cite as: 42 USC 17193