“We are very excited about this opportunity to pilot an innovative solution to meet the energy demands of today and the future,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Geothermal systems could supply the clean energy needed for economic growth and long-term grid resilience for our communities. This is the type of ‘all-of-the-above’ energy solutions that Governor Shapiro has prioritized.”
Indiana County Site
The EGS pilot demonstration project will generate both electrical power and thermal energy for rural communities in Indiana County, in areas adjacent to legacy and active oil and gas development.
The project will extract heat from subsurface geologic formations and transfer it to the surface using gas and fluid circulation in an EGS.
This thermal energy will be used to generate electricity for the local power grid and provide direct-use heat for nearby homes and businesses.
In addition, the project will repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure, avoiding additional land disturbance for renewable energy generation facilities.
Through extending the life of infrastructure like wells, the project aims to catalyze a new geothermal energy industry — one in which the “heat beneath our feet” helps power American homes, businesses, and farms.
The pilot project will be an existing unconventional gas well operated by CNX Green Ventures. The specific well has not been selected.
DEP will serve as the project lead, in coordination with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geological Survey.
The project is supported by a world-class team of partners, including Gradient Geothermal Inc., Teverra, Inc., Lehigh University, Idaho National Laboratory, CNX Green Ventures, and Seequent.
Governor Josh Shapiro has made clear that protecting consumers and building new energy supply must go hand in hand.
In January 2025, the Governor introduced his commonsense energy strategy, the Lightning Energy Plan, to build new clean, reliable, and affordable energy projects across the Commonwealth.
Through the Lightning Plan and the PA Permit Fast Track Program, the Governor is cutting permitting delays, accelerating responsible energy development, and positioning Pennsylvania-- the nation’s second-largest energy producer and exporter-- to build more power faster while keeping costs down.
Independent analyses confirm these efforts will save consumers money, create jobs, and attract billions in new energy investment.
Click Here for the DEP announcement.
For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website. Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.
Resource Link:
-- US Dept. Of Energy Announces $14 Million To Support DEP Project For Enhanced Shale Gas Well GeoThermal Demonstration In Pennsylvania [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- House Energy Committee Reports Out GeoThermal Energy, Advanced Transmission Technology, Energy Financing Authority Bills [PaEN]
-- PA House Passes Bills To Develop Model Zoning Ordinance To Help Local Governments Regulate, Mitigate The Impacts Of A.I. Data Center Developments; Report Water, Energy Use [PaEN]
-- PA House Blue-Green Labor, Environmental Caucus Endorses 9-Bill Package To Expand Clean Energy Generation, Strengthen Workforce [PaEN]
-- Shapiro Administration Secures $14 Million From US DOE For Enhanced GeoThermal Systems Pilot Demonstration Project In Indiana County [PaEN]
-- US Dept. Of Energy Announces $14 Million To Support DEP Project For Enhanced Shale Gas Well GeoThermal Demonstration In Pennsylvania [PaEN]
-- Report: President Canceled 28.2 Gigawatts Of US Electric Generation- Funding For 13 Gigawatts Lost In Pennsylvania- In Face Of Unprecedented A.I. Data Center Demand, Grid Reliability Concerns [PaEN]
-- DCED Conventional Oil & Gas Industry Advisory Board Meets April 16 On Wastewater Disposal; Methane Emissions Reduction; Injection Well Regulation; Gas Storage Area Regs [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna River Watershed Low-Flow Conditions Trigger Stop To Shale Gas Drilling Water Withdrawals At 19 Locations, 13 More Approaching Restrictions [PaEN]
-- PA House Passes 3rd Natural Gas Safety Bill After Fatal Reading Chocolate Factory Explosion [House Bill 1522]
-- Penn State Extension Hosts Anaerobic Digestion On The Farm Conference, June 9-11 [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Energy Essentials News: Data Centers Q/A; National Biogas Conference; Tips For Picking Reputable Solar Developer
NewsClips:
-- WHYY - Susan Phillips: Philadelphia Gas Works Proposed LNG Natural Gas Plant Replacement In Port Richmond Neighborhood Now In Limbo
-- Reuters: Williams CEO Says PA-NY Constitutional Natural Gas Pipeline Could Be Online In 2027
-- EPA, DOE, DOI Break Ground On Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement Natural Gas Pipeline Taking PA Gas Into New York City
-- Inside Climate News - Jon Hurdle: As Tech Groups Predict Huge Pennsylvania A.I. Data Center Growth, Critics Say Some Bills Would Reduce Local Control; One State Senator Plans 3-Year Moratorium
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: Electric Transmission Line Company Wants Authority To Condemn Property From PA PUC For Proposed Power Line In SW PA To Feed A.I. Data Centers In Virginia
-- The Hill: US DOE Secretary Predicts Energy Prices May Rise, Hit Peak In ‘Next Few Weeks’
[Posted: April 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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