WASHINGTON – Today, Elan Sykes, Director of Energy and Climate Policy, and Alec Evans, Energy Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Energy’s second-round funding opportunity for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) demonstrations under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The Progressive Policy Institute applauds the Department of Energy (DOE) for providing funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for East Coast enhanced geothermal energy pilot projects. The DOE’s announcement follows a recent publication by PPI’s Energy and Climate Solutions Initiative that advocates for East Coast geothermal pilot plant construction. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have the potential to provide consistent and plentiful renewable energy throughout much of the United States, and expanding geothermal’s footprint will accelerate the technology’s adoption and rollout. An East Coast geothermal program would prove especially beneficial for securing investments, collecting data, and counteracting public skepticism towards renewables, three of the largest hurdles inhibiting EGS adoption.”
“Moving forward, it is critical for the DOE to consider the implications of its site selection carefully. Although several regions in the Eastern U.S. are viable for geothermal, Appalachia would prove most beneficial for the initial development phase. West Virginia and Pennsylvania are among the most geologically feasible locations for geothermal, and they rely heavily on producing and generating energy for their workforces, exports, and economies. Furthermore, the energy future of these states is at risk due to the declining use of fossil fuels. Prioritizing West Virginia and Pennsylvania for geothermal pilot projects would provide an opportunity for local energy workers to transfer their skills toward clean energy and allow these states to maintain their status as energy exporters. PPI recommends that prospective developers and the state governments of Pennsylvania and West Virginia collaborate to secure a project in Appalachia and to remove any undue regulatory or permitting obstacles to this crucial resource.”
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org.
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Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org
