Pacific POWER Act
Sponsored By: Senator Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
In Committee
Summary
Creates an international geothermal program focused on the Indo-Pacific. This bill would build a U.S.-led effort to expand geothermal electricity and direct-use projects, push next-generation technologies, and connect U.S. companies to partner countries through public–private partnerships and financing tools.
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- Would select at least five partner countries, including at least three in the Indo-Pacific, and pursue memoranda of understanding with prioritized partners such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- Would help U.S. geothermal developers and equipment manufacturers by coordinating exports, identifying investment and supply-chain opportunities, and leveraging U.S. financing agencies and tools to support exploration, development, and workforce needs.
- Would set technical, environmental, and community engagement standards, including requirements for Indigenous consultation, revenue sharing, reservoir management, seismic risk mitigation with real-time monitoring, water-impact mitigation, and transparent data sharing.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Set diplomatic goals and safety standards
If enacted, the Secretary and the Energy Secretary would pursue geothermal diplomacy and set deployment goals for electricity and direct‑use projects. They would create research and learning forums, design risk‑sharing and financial tools, and promote regulatory and market reforms to help geothermal connect to grids. They would require technical, environmental, safety, and community engagement standards, including early community outreach and free, prior, and informed consent for Indigenous Peoples, seismic monitoring and water protections. They would prioritize engagement with named Indo‑Pacific partners and use groups like the Quad and the IEA to coordinate work.
Coordinate financing and transfers
If enacted, the Secretary would be able to coordinate grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other technical and financial assistance with relevant U.S. agencies to help finance geothermal projects in partner countries and U.S. firms working there. Congress would be authorized to appropriate such sums as necessary for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program. Funds given to the State Department for the program could be transferred to other agencies if the Secretary reports the need and notifies Congress at least 15 days before a transfer.
Create an international geothermal program
If enacted, the Secretary would set up an International Geothermal Program within one year. The Secretary would pick at least five partner countries, with at least three in the Indo‑Pacific, one that does not use geothermal commercially now, and one with strong near‑term expansion potential. Not later than 180 days after enactment the Secretary would deliver a global geothermal assessment mapping high‑potential areas. Within 180 days after partners are chosen the Secretary would give Congress a partner‑specific strategy listing annual staff and resource needs and plans to strengthen supply chains and financing links.
Industry advisory group and reporting
If enacted, the Secretary would set up an advisory mechanism of U.S. developers, manufacturers, financiers, trade groups, and nonprofits to advise on exports, standards, data, supply chains, and workforce needs. After the Program starts, the Secretary would send Congress an annual report listing U.S. activities with each partner, status of agreements, staff assigned by office, and assistance provided by account, amount, and purpose.
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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