The US Department of Energy announced a selection of geothermal energy initiatives on Monday aimed at expanding domestic power capabilities. The 21 chosen projects will receive up to $99 million in total to advance near commercial scale testing and exploration drilling within the American subsurface. This funding targets the development of around the clock power sources to provide steady electricity to the grid.

This initiative represents one of the largest government investments in next generation geothermal energy in US history. Geothermal energy has attracted growing interest from investors and energy companies seeking reliable, constant energy alternatives. The current program focuses on bringing exploration drilling technologies closer to commercial viability.