Geothermal Technology Analysis The Department of Energy's (DOE)
Geothermal Energy Program focuses in three areas: energy systems
research and testing (working to enhance conversion of
geothermal energy into heat and electricity) led by NREL;
drilling technologies research (for both hardware and diagnostic
tools) led by Sandia National Laboratories; and geoscience and
supporting technologies research (exploration and resource
management) led by the Idaho National Engineering and
Environmental Laboratory. NREL's geothermal research, conducted
in NREL's Center for Buildings and Thermal Systems, primarily
supports DOE's Energy Systems component, specializing in
advanced power plant systems, small-scale power plants, and
direct-use performance. Energy analysis supports R&D in the
following areas of geothermal technologies. Geothermal energy
taps the Earth's internal heat for a variety of uses, including
electric power production, and the heating and cooling of
buildings. NREL works in partnership with industry, ac