§ 17204. High cost region geothermal energy grant program

• (a) In this section:
  • (1) The term “eligible entity” means—
    • (A) a utility;
    • (B) an electric cooperative;
    • (C) a State;
    • (D) a political subdivision of a State;
    • (E) an Indian tribe; or
    • (F) a Native corporation.
  • (2) The term “high-cost region” means a region in which the average cost of electrical power or heat exceeds 150 percent of the national average retail cost, as determined by the Secretary.
• (b) The Secretary shall use amounts made available to carry out this section to make grants to eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
• (c) An eligible entity may use grant funds under this section, with respect to a geothermal energy project in a high-cost region, only—
  • (1) to conduct a feasibility study, including a study of exploration, geochemical testing, geomagnetic surveys, geologic information gathering, baseline environmental studies, well drilling, resource characterization, permitting, and economic analysis;
  • (2) for design and engineering costs, relating to the project; and
  • (3) to demonstrate and promote commercial application of technologies related to geothermal energy as part of the project.
• (d) The cost-sharing requirements of section 16352 of this title shall apply to any project carried out under this section.
• (e) Out of funds authorized under section 17202 of this title , there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.