December 1, 2015

The Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office announced a new funding opportunity to explore the potential for recovering rare earth elements and other critical materials dissolved in geothermal fluids or other high temperature brines. The program, “Mineral Recovery Phase II: Geothermal Concepts and Approaches to Validate Extraction Technologies,” will provide up to $4 million for approximately three research projects to authenticate the extraction method.

The program hopes to make the United States’ geothermal energy production more economically competitive with other energy types. The deadline for concept projects is January 6, 2016.

Sources: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), energy.gov

Updated 01/04/2016