Texas lawmakers weigh opening $5B energy fund to geothermal amid attacks on renewables

Saul Elbein | Source: The Hill | Posted 04/25/2025

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The bill, which passed unanimously out of committee in the Texas House late Wednesday and now heads to the floor for consideration, could provide a runway for state incubation of next-generation geothermal energy, which uses oil and gas drilling methods to extract heat from the earth to provide low-carbon, round-the-clock energy.

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Texas lawmakers are considering a Republican-backed proposal to open a $5 billion energy fund, originally intended for fossil fuel development, to support geothermal energy projects. This legislation, which has passed unanimously out of committee, aims to encourage the use of geothermal energy—an emerging renewable source that utilizes oil and gas drilling techniques to extract heat from the earth. The proposed changes to the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) would allow smaller geothermal projects to qualify for funding, potentially revitalizing the fund, which has seen a decline in applications from gas companies.

As the state grapples with increasing energy demands, some Republican lawmakers are also pushing for measures that restrict wind and solar energy development. Critics argue that these restrictions could hinder Texas's economy and exacerbate energy shortages. Meanwhile, proponents of geothermal energy highlight its potential as a reliable power source, supported by a skilled workforce from the oil and gas sector. The push for geothermal is further bolstered by backing from the Trump administration, signaling a shift in focus towards next-generation renewable energy solutions.

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Source Link: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5265639-texas-legislature-geothermal-energy-fund/

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Texas lawmakers weigh opening $5B energy fund to geothermal amid attacks on renewables

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