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The U.S. Department of Energy allocated $99 million to 21 projects involving advanced geothermal energy technologies, including Quaise Energy’s project in Oregon. The development represents a bet on a renewable source capable of providing stable electricity for data centers, while financing, regulation, and commercial viability remain key challenges.
The article examines the transformation of geothermal energy in the United States from a geographically limited resource into a field supported by the Department of Energy and drilling and energy companies, with a new national center established and commercial projects under development. It argues that this path could increase competition with coal and gas in baseload electricity generation, although most new capacity has not yet entered operation.