The mission of the California Energy Commission (CEC) focuses on leading the state to a 100% clean energy future. As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the CEC is committed to reducing energy costs and environmental impacts of energy use while ensuring a safe, resilient, and reliable supply of energy.
The grant program aims to support projects that focus on the development of geothermal energy and the recovery of lithium from geothermal brine. It caters to local jurisdictions and private entities, helping them advance in the geothermal sector in alignment with specified public resource and regulatory codes. This program prohibits loans and defines projects with a maximum duration of thirty-six months. Projects should align with their scope and budget, particularly addressing the eligible purposes outlined in Section I.C., Project Focus. The program is structured in a two-phase application process: Phase one offers technical assistance for developing a full proposal, with up to $10,000 available per applicant. Phase two involves submitting the full proposal with funding ranging from $250,000 to $1,500,000. The eligible projects include R&D in geothermal resource assessment and lithium extraction, planning and policy development for regulatory compliance, mitigation of adverse impacts from geothermal development, monitoring of geothermal facilities for regulatory compliance, identification and implementation of adverse impact mitigation measures, support for public services and facilities impacted by geothermal development, natural resource enhancement projects, and projects supporting the state’s zero-emission goals through mineral recovery from geothermal brines in disadvantaged communities.