US military’s new geothermal plant to produce 25MW power for $0.08/kWh

Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, a platform designed for evaluating technology intended for use on U.S. military bases, has recently announced the pre-approval of Project GeoForce, signaling readiness for deployment.

This initiative involves a collaboration led by Los Alamos National Laboratory, which has joined forces with several partners, including Anthem Energy Partners, New Era Advisors, Homestead Resources, Texas A&M University, and Power Planet.

Together, they aim to deliver geothermal energy solutions now available for government applications.

25MW power for $0.08/kWh

Luke Frash, the lead for Project GeoForce at Los Alamos, explained the team’s focus on harnessing the laboratory’s innovative technologies, including the Geothermal Design Tool (GeoDT) and the Fracture Caging technology.

He noted their goal is to generate at least 25 megawatts of energy at a cost of under 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, harnessing unconventional geothermal resources found in hot, dry rock formations.

“This opportunity allows us to help a wider audience secure access to affordable energy,” Frash remarked, underscoring the project’s potential impact on energy accessibility.

The GeoDT software is a comprehensive platform for evaluating potential geothermal energy projects.

It assists users in assessing new sites for geothermal development and understanding the economic implications before any physical work begins.

Despite its potential, geothermal energy has been significantly underutilized in the United States, accounting for merely 0.4% of the country’s overall energy production as of 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Kirk Phillips, director of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance, highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s role in facilitating this collaboration through the Tradewinds solicitation process.

He emphasized working with innovative American companies to develop resilient geothermal technologies for military bases.

“Using private capital instead of taxpayer dollars, we can build the next generation of energy solutions,” he stated. This partnership is a pivotal step towards fully integrating geothermal energy into America’s energy mix.

Geothermal plant

Los Alamos National Laboratory has a rich history in geothermal research, dating back to the 1970s when it operated the Fenton Hill Observatory in New Mexico.

Over nearly two decades, this facility developed the world’s first enhanced geothermal system, successfully creating a reservoir in previously impermeable hot, dry rock.

This pioneering work paved the way for advancements in geothermal technologies.

Frash and his team are committed to advancing geothermal energy, and their recent recognition through the Tradewinds program is expected to facilitate broader access and customization of geothermal solutions for government entities.

This initiative may mark a turning point, allowing geothermal energies to transition from niche applications to robust resources within the national energy framework.

For government representatives interested in exploring Project GeoForce technology, an account can be created on the

The deployment of geothermal technology once considered a fringe resource, now stands at the forefront of energy innovation and is championed by a collaboration of historical significance and modern-day relevance.

As this project unfolds, it promises to reflect a commitment to energy sustainability and economic viability in the years ahead.