Geothermal Research and Development Programs
Here you'll find links to laboratories, universities, and colleges conducting research and development (R&D) in geothermal energy technologies.
Idaho National Laboratory
Investigates and develops geothermal resource technologies for both direct use and electricity generation, particularly those resources considered marginally economical.
Kansas State University
Within its Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, focuses on modeling flow in fractured rocks for the development of reinjection systems for geothermal reservoirs, developing Geocrack software.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Contributes to geothermal exploration technologies, reservoir characterization, and performance evaluation technologies.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Leads the U.S. Department of Energy's R&D efforts in geothermal energy systems research and testing (working to enhance conversion of geothermal energy into heat and electricity).
Oklahoma State University
Develops geothermal heat pump systems and ground loop heat exchanger technology within its Buildings and Thermal Systems Research Group.
Oregon Institute of Technology: Geo-Heat Center
Conducts research and development projects involving geothermal direct-use applications.
Sandia National Laboratories
Develops well construction technologies to reduce the costs of geothermal wells and in turn, the costs of geothermal electricity production.
Southern Methodist University
Explores potential geothermal resources, conducts resource assessments of current geothermal fields, maps geophysical data, analyzes and models geothermal systems, and develops well temperature logs.
Southwest Technology Development Institute
Located at New Mexico State University, provides technology transfer, characterizes New Mexico geothermal resources; develops cost-effective methods and approaches to find and manage the resource base; and assists and launches economic and energy development centered on geothermal energy.
Stanford University
Develops reservoir engineering techniques to allow for the production of the nation's geothermal resources in the most efficient manner possible.
University of Alabama
Conducts ground source heat pump research activities.
University of California, Riverside
Conducts research in geothermics within its Department of Earth Sciences.
University of California, San Diego
Conducts research investigations of geothermal and renewable energy sources at its Center for Energy Research.
University of Nevada, Reno
Through its Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, specializes in geochemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics, thermodynamics, remote sensing, seismology, and structural geology (geologic mapping).
University of Utah
Performs basic and applied research in geothermal exploration, reservoir delineation, drilling and logging, and production.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Develops geothermal resource data through its Regional Geophysics Laboratory.