Next-generation geothermal technologies include Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS). EGS aims to create humanmade reservoirs using injection and fracture technologies, allowing capture of subsurface heat. AGS drills ultra-deep well loops that enable continual fluid circulation through bedrock without requiring naturally occurring water resources. Both approaches have completed successful pilot projects, demonstrating their feasibility and effectiveness.
According to DOE analysis, there are an estimated 5,500 GW of heat resources available throughout the United States alone. Advancing next-generation geothermal could tap into more of these resources nationwide, including hundreds of GW of potential in the Eastern United States. Two approaches to next-generation geothermal, EGS and closed loop geothermal systems, have shown promising results, with EGS already producing electricity on the U.S. grid.