The California Legislature created the program in 1980 under Public Resources Code sections 3800 et seq.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) runs the Geothermal Grant and Loan Program (Geothermal Program). The CEC’s Geothermal Program uses money from the state’s Geothermal Resources Development Account (GRDA) to support geothermal energy projects and mineral recovery from geothermal brine. GRDA receives funds collected by the federal government from royalties and lease payments made by geothermal developers operating on federal land in California. The CEC’s Geothermal Program receives thirty percent of GRDA funds to help grow and maintain California's geothermal energy and mineral resources from geothermal brine. The CEC’s Geothermal Program also works to reduce any negative effects of geothermal development, support activities related to mineral recovery from geothermal brine and help local governments and private businesses cover public service costs linked to geothermal and mineral recovery from geothermal brine activities.
The Energy Commission makes program awards through competitive solicitations. Eligible entities, including private entities and local jurisdictions, can qualify for financial assistance for a wide variety of geothermal-related projects, including geothermal technology research demonstrations; resource assessment, exploration, and development; local and regional planning; and impact mitigation projects.
Subscribe to the Geothermal Energy Topic to receive information about upcoming solicitations and events.
