42 U.S.C. § 17204 — High cost region geothermal energy grant program

(a): Definitions In this section: (1): Eligible entity The term “eligible entity” means—
(A): a utility;
(B): an electric cooperative;
(C): a State^*;
(D): a political subdivision of a State;
(E): an Indian tribe; or
(F): a Native corporation. (2): High-cost region The term “high-cost region” means a region in which the average cost of electrical power or heat exceeds 150 percent of the national average retail cost, as determined by the Secretary^*.
(b): Program The Secretary must use amounts made available to carry out this section to make grants to eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
(c): Eligible activities An eligible entity may use grant funds under this section, about a geothermal energy project^* in a high-cost region, only— (1): to conduct a feasibility study, including a study of exploration, geochemical testing, geomagnetic surveys, geologic information gathering, baseline environmental studies, well drilling, resource characterization, permitting, and economic analysis; (2): for design and engineering costs, relating to the project; and (3): to demonstrate and promote commercial application of technologies related to geothermal energy as part of the project.
(d): Cost sharing The cost-sharing^* requirements of section 16352 of this title must apply to any project carried out under this section.
(e): Authorization of appropriations Out of funds authorized under section 17202 of this title , there may be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.