New NREL Capability: Estimating Geothermal Potential and Costs Compared to Other Energy Options

NREL tools can now estimate the geothermal potential of a particular area, including how much it would cost to develop using the latest technology, and compare it with other forms of energy given different future policy scenarios - all at 11.5 x 11.5 km2 resolution for the whole continental United States. This is possible thanks to the new geothermal module in NREL's Renewable Energy Potential (reV) model, which allows better linking to the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model. The model is detailed in the NREL technical report, "An Analysis of High Opportunity Geothermal Leasing Areas on BLM and USFS Lands," available at https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy24osti/88247.pdf.