Pacific POWER Act
Sponsored By: Senator Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
In Committee
Summary
Expand geothermal cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies to speed deployment of conventional and next-generation geothermal energy and strengthen U.S. commercial ties.
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- Partner countries: The bill would prioritize the Indo-Pacific and names Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand. It would require selecting at least five partners and at least three Indo-Pacific countries.
- U.S. industry and finance: It would create an International Geothermal Program to spur public-private partnerships, identify export and investment opportunities for U.S. companies, support workforce and supply chains, and coordinate financing and feasibility support through agencies like the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the Export-Import Bank, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the International Development Finance Corporation.
- Communities and safeguards: The bill would require early, consistent engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, local revenue sharing, reservoir management, seismic-risk mitigation with real-time monitoring, and water-resource protections.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Funding and finance coordination tools
If enacted, the bill would authorize "such sums as necessary" to carry out the Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The Secretary would be allowed to transfer funds appropriated to State to other U.S. agencies if needed, with at least 15 days advance notice to Congress. The Secretary would also work with U.S. finance agencies to promote grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other assistance for partner projects and U.S. companies working with partners.
Create international geothermal program
If enacted, the Secretary and the Energy Secretary would establish an International Geothermal Program within one year. The Program would pursue bilateral and multilateral partnerships to expand geothermal electricity and direct use. When it starts, the Secretary would select at least five partner countries, with at least three in the Indo-Pacific. At least one partner would not have commercial geothermal today and at least one would have clear expansion potential.
Global geothermal resource report
If enacted, the Secretary would deliver a global geothermal assessment within 180 days. The report would map areas with the best geothermal potential using geology, infrastructure, workforce, regulations, and demand. It would identify countries and regions where geothermal expansion best serves U.S. security and economic interests, including the Indo-Pacific. It would list strategies to address development barriers and evaluate risks from foreign involvement.
Industry advisory and project standards
If enacted, the Secretary would set up an advisory body when the Program begins. The advisory group would include U.S. geothermal developers, manufacturers, financiers, and nonprofits to advise on export opportunities, technical standards, data protections, supply chains, and workforce needs. The bill would also push the U.S. to work with partners to build international standards and best practices on community engagement, Indigenous consent, revenue sharing, reservoir and water protections, and seismic monitoring.
Partner strategies and agreements
If enacted, within 180 days after partners are chosen the Secretary would submit a strategy for each partner. The strategy would estimate yearly staff and assistance needs and list financing options like USTDA, Ex‑Im Bank, MCC, and DFC when partners qualify. After partner selection, the Secretary would pursue memoranda of understanding or other agreements to formalize cooperation and implement the Program.
Annual program activity reports
If enacted, after the Program starts the Secretary would send yearly reports to Congress. Reports would list U.S. activities with each partner, the status of any agreements, changes to partner strategies, and the number of staff assigned by office. Reports would also show assistance given so far with amounts, accounts, and purposes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
HI • D
Cosponsors
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
PA • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 6/17/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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