Cost-Share for Federal Geothermal Energy Funding Opportunities

Solicitation GFO-25-902 is a program administered by the California Energy Commission designed to provide cost-share funding for geothermal energy projects that are also applying for federal funding, specifically aligning with federal opportunities such as DE-FOA-0003589. The program utilizes a two-phase application process consisting of a Pre-Federal Award phase and a Post-Federal Award phase. To be eligible, projects must focus on geothermal energy resource development or critical mineral recovery within California. The application process is rigorous, requiring a detailed project narrative, a comprehensive scope of work, a project schedule, and a feasibility study for resource development projects that generate revenue or energy savings. Applicants must provide extensive documentation, including a mandatory applicant declaration certifying legal and financial standing, CEQA compliance screening, and commitment letters for match funding and project sites. The program emphasizes technical merit, economic benefits to California, and the qualifications of the project team. Following the initial phase, successful applicants must submit a Phase II package containing the approved federal award confirmation, the final federal budget, and the approved federal scope of work. Funding is contingent upon final commission approval and the receipt of the corresponding federal award, as evidenced by the recommendation of over 2.4 million dollars in cost-share funding for selected entities including Materials Research LLC, Waypoint 33 LLC, and EELI Technology, Inc.