DOE Selects Geothermal Projects for Nearly $35 Million in Funding
Ormat projects in Nevada and Utah would receive support for geothermal drilling, testing and subsurface characterization.
- By Danielle Naidu
- September 29, 2026
Two geothermal projects in Nevada and Utah have been selected for up to approximately $35 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding, Ormat Technologies announced.
The selections remain subject to award negotiations with DOE. The funding includes up to $25 million for work at Ormat’s Dixie Valley geothermal project in Nevada and up to $9.7 million for its Cove Fort project in Utah.
At Dixie Valley, Ormat will work with SLB and the University of Utah on the design, drilling, testing and validation of an enhanced geothermal system doublet. The company said the project will examine whether an engineered reservoir developed beside an existing hydrothermal system can maintain fluid circulation, improve permeability and produce commercially relevant thermal output.
The Cove Fort project, conducted with the University of Utah, will use the proposed funding for drilling and subsurface characterization. According to Ormat, the work is intended to improve understanding of heat and fluid distribution in carbonate rock formations.
The two selections total up to $34.7 million. Because negotiations have not been completed, the final funding amounts could be reduced or the awards could be withdrawn.
