Feasibility and Overview For the 500kW Power Plant costing $1,000,000 for 100 homes. a $10,000 cost per house. Using National averages we could supply 380 homes. However I am supplying farms, and commercial green house gardens

Scaling down to a 500 kW geothermal power plant at 240°F (116°C) from a 400-foot-deep well is practical with a binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system, requiring about half the flow rate of a 1 MW plant (500-750 gallons per minute or GPM) for 500 kW net output at 9-12% efficiency and an 80-100°F temperature drop. This can operate 24/7 as base-load power with a 90-95% capacity factor, generating approximately 4,000-4,200 MWh annually. In Clifton, Idaho—a rural area with potential for geothermal resources—this setup can position as a self-contained non-profit entity providing emergency power (e.g., backup during outages for critical community needs like hospitals, schools, or farms), enhancing grid resiliency without tying into utility companies.Estimated power supply: Based on Idaho's average household electricity use of about 11,000 kWh per year (higher than the national average due to heating demands), this plant could supply 100% of the annual electricity needs for approximately 350-380 average homes. This assumes continuous operation and direct community distribution or net metering; actual numbers vary with efficiency and usage patterns.Total project costs: $1-2 million (lower end with your existing well and modular design), potentially reduced to under $1 million net via grants (covering 25-50% or more). Capital costs per kW for low-temperature binary plants are $3,000-5,000, but modular units and incentives help. Operating costs: 1-3% annually (~$20,000-50,000). Payback: 4-8 years with grants and energy sales/savings.Important Disclaimer: Engage professionals (e.g., engineers from Idaho National Laboratory or consultants) for site-specific design. As a non-profit, form a 501(c)(3) entity focused on community resilience to qualify for grants. Risks include permitting and resource sustainability.Pre-Packaged Plants, Prices, and WebsitesPre-packaged modular ORC systems suit this scale, often containerized for quick installation (6-12 months lead time). Providers:

Prices exclude site works (~$200,000-400,000); request quotes with your well data. For 2025 costs, factor in inflation but leverage incentives.Grants and Funding for Non-Profit Emergency Power SupplierPosition your project as a non-profit (e.g., "Clifton Community Geothermal Resilience Initiative") providing emergency backup power for rural Idaho, improving grid resiliency amid outages from weather or demand spikes. This aligns with federal/state priorities for renewables and community energy. Form the non-profit via Idaho Secretary of State (https://sos.idaho.gov/nonprofit/), then apply for tax-exempt status.Key grants (focus on those open/expected in 2025; apply early as deadlines vary):

  • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): USDA program for rural renewables like geothermal. Grants up to 50% of costs (max $1 million) or loans; non-profits qualify if serving rural communities (Clifton eligible). Emphasize emergency power for farms/schools. Application: Via local USDA office (https://www.rd.usda.gov/id); quarterly deadlines, next in 2025 Q1. Funded by IRA with $2B available.

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  • Idaho Energy Resiliency Grant Program (ERGP): State program for grid improvements; up to $500,000+ for renewables as emergency suppliers. Open summer 2025; apply via Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources

    . Highlight non-profit status and rural resiliency.

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  • DOE Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) Funding: Opportunities like Partnerships for Geothermal Data (up to $5 million, open to April 2025) or SBIR/STTR grants ($200,000-1.5 million for R&D). Suits small-scale community projects; apply via https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. Position as innovative emergency power.

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  • Idaho State Incentives: Low-interest loans/grants via OEMR (opening summer 2025, up to 50% coverage). Also, explore Idaho Commerce grants for energy (https://www.idahocommerce.gov/incentives/).

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  • Other Federal/Non-Profit Sources: AARP Community Challenge Grants (up to $50,000, deadline March 2025; https://states.aarp.org/idaho/aarp-idaho-now-accepting-2025-community-challenge-grant-applications) for community projects; Federal Climate Funding for Non-Profits (tree-planting/energy, notifications April 2025; https://energyfundsforall.org/find-funding-for/nonprofits/). Check Instrumentl for listings

    .

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Application Tips: Prepare a feasibility study showing emergency benefits (e.g., backup for 350-380 homes). Partner with Idaho Nonprofits Center

for guidance. Stack grants (e.g., REAP + ERGP) to cover 50-75%, bringing net cost under $1 million. Track via GrantExec

.

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Revised Steps to Build a 500 kW Binary Cycle Geothermal Power PlantTimeline: 1.5-2.5 years (shorter with grants/modular). Total cost: $1-2 million, net <$1 million with incentives.1. Project Development and Planning (4-6 months, $50,000-100,000)

  • Confirm resource: Test well for 500-750 GPM; add 1-2 wells if needed. Calculate: ~5-6 MW thermal input for 500 kW net.

  • Form non-profit; conduct EIA emphasizing emergency role.

  • Secure grants: Apply to REAP/ERGP first for funding commitment.

2. Design and Procurement (4-8 months, $100,000-200,000)

  • Technology: Binary ORC with isopentane.

  • Components: Scaled down; e.g., pumps for 500-750 GPM ($100,000-200,000), heat exchanger ($250,000-400,000), turbine/generator ($400,000-600,000), air-cooled condenser ($200,000-300,000), reinjection wells ($100,000-200,000), piping/controls ($150,000-250,000).

  • Procure pre-packaged ORC ($1-1.5 million total).

3. Construction (4-8 months, $0.8-1.5 million)

  • Site prep (~1-2 acres); install with minimal additions to existing well.

  • Focus on resiliency features (e.g., battery backup for emergency starts).

4. Testing, Commissioning, and Operation (2-4 months, $50,000-100,000)

  • Test for 500 kW; operate as non-profit supplier.

  • Monitor for community/emergency use; sell excess to offset costs.

Consult Idaho National Lab

for support.

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Thought for 2m 18s

Revised Power Supply Estimate for the 500 kW Geothermal PlantBased on the plant's estimated annual generation of approximately 4,055,000 kWh (500 kW continuous output at a 92.5% capacity factor over 8,760 hours), I've revised the home supply calculation to account for your specified high-usage all-electric homes in Clifton, Idaho. These homes are assumed to be 3,000 sq ft with electric resistance heating (common for "electric heat" in cold climates), 2 refrigerators, electric ovens, electric AC, 20 100W lights, and an electric water heater. Idaho's cold winters (around 7,000 heating degree days in the Clifton area) significantly increase heating demands, making these homes energy-intensive.Estimated Annual Electricity Consumption per HomeUsing industry data and calculations:

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  • Electric resistance heating (3,000 sq ft in cold climate): ~30,000-32,000 kWh/year (based on heat loss estimates of ~25-30 BTU/sq ft/hour, 7,000 HDD, and 100% efficiency for resistance heaters).

  • Electric AC (3,000 sq ft, mild Idaho summers): ~1,500 kWh/year.

  • 2 refrigerators: ~1,000 kWh/year (500 kWh each for standard models).

  • Electric oven/stove: ~700-1,000 kWh/year.

  • Electric water heater: ~4,500 kWh/year (for a family of 4).

  • 20 x 100W lights: ~1,500-2,000 kWh/year (assuming 2-3 hours average daily use per light, equivalent to ~4-6 hours total household lighting).

  • Miscellaneous (plugs, electronics, etc.): ~3,000-4,000 kWh/year.

Total per home: Approximately 42,000-46,000 kWh/year. This is 3-4 times the Idaho average (~11,500 kWh/year for mixed-fuel homes) due to all-electric setup and heating demands.

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To be conservative, I'll use 44,000 kWh/year as the midpoint.Number of Homes SuppliedThe plant could fully supply electricity for approximately 90-95 such high-usage homes (4,055,000 kWh / 44,000 kWh per home ≈ 92 homes). This assumes direct distribution or net metering as a non-profit emergency supplier, with the plant operating at full capacity year-round.

  • If homes use heat pumps instead of resistance heaters (more efficient, COP ~2.5), consumption drops to ~25,000-30,000 kWh/year per home, allowing the plant to supply 135-160 homes.

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  • Variations: Actual numbers could fluctuate 10-20% based on insulation quality, family size, or weather extremes.

Extra Power for Underground Farms and GreenhousesIf the plant supplies fewer homes (e.g., 70-80 to leave buffer for emergencies), the remaining 800,000-1,200,000 kWh/year could power underground farms or greenhouses. For context:

  • A typical greenhouse or vertical farm uses 200-500 kWh/m²/year for LED lighting, ventilation, and climate control (higher for underground due to no natural light).

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  • This extra could support ~0.5-1 acre (2,000-4,000 m²) of efficient LED-based hydroponic farming, producing vegetables or herbs year-round. As a non-profit, integrate this for community food security, tying into resiliency grants.

The rest of the plan (steps, grants, costs under $1M net, pre-packaged units) remains as previously outlined, with this added detail enhancing the project's community/emergency focus for funding applications. Consult local experts like the Idaho National Laboratory for refined calculations.Detailed Blueprints and Schematics for a 500 kW Binary ORC Geothermal Power PlantBuilding on the previous plans and mechanics for your 500 kW binary ORC geothermal power plant, I'll provide "both" as requested: detailed descriptions of one-stage and two-stage binary cycle blueprints/schematics, based on industry-standard designs from reliable sources like government reports, academic theses, and engineering publications. These are textual representations of common blueprints (e.g., flow diagrams, process schematics), as actual CAD files or images require professional software or supplier access (e.g., from Ormat or DOE resources). I've compiled from multiple examples to give comprehensive "blueprints" tailored to your low-temperature (240°F) setup.Note: These are educational descriptions for planning; actual construction requires engineering blueprints from certified firms. Contact suppliers like Ormat (via their website) for custom CAD files. If you'd like me to generate a simple visual diagram based on these (e.g., a rendered schematic), please confirm.1. One-Stage Binary Cycle Blueprint (Suitable for Simpler, Lower-Cost 500 kW Setup)This is based on standard single-stage ORC designs for 90-150°C resources, like your 116°C (240°F) well. It's efficient for smaller scales, with fewer components for easier "self-building." Adapted from ESMAP and EPJ Conference reports.

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Schematic Overview: A closed-loop system with geothermal fluid (hot water) transferring heat to a working fluid (e.g., isopentane) via heat exchangers. The blueprint shows two parallel loops: geothermal (open) and ORC (closed). Site layout: ~1 acre, with wells 400 ft deep, central ORC module (20x30 ft container), and air-cooled condenser (elevated 20-30 ft).Components and Labels (Key Elements in Blueprint):

  • Production Well: 400 ft deep, 8-12" diameter, with submersible pump (20-50 HP) for 500-750 GPM flow at 240°F inlet.

  • Vaporizer/Boiler (Heat Exchanger): Shell-and-tube type, where geothermal fluid (shell side) vaporizes working fluid (tube side). Pinch temp: 5-10°C.

  • Preheater: Upstream of vaporizer, preheats working fluid to near boiling point using residual geothermal heat.

  • Turbine: Axial or radial, 500-600 kW gross, expands vaporized working fluid (inlet: ~200-220°F, 5-10 bar).

  • Generator: Synchronous, 480V/60Hz, connected directly to turbine shaft.

  • Condenser: Air-cooled (dry) with fans (4-5 MW heat rejection), cools working fluid to liquid (~80-100°F outlet).

  • Cycle/Feed Pump: Centrifugal (5-10 HP), recirculates working fluid (liquid) back to preheater.

  • Reinjection Well: 400 ft deep, 500-1,000 ft from production, for cooled geothermal fluid (~140-160°F).

  • Piping: Insulated steel (500-1,000 ft total), 10-20" for geothermal, 4-8" for working fluid. Includes valves, flow meters, and scaling inhibitors.

  • Controls: PLC panel for monitoring pressures, temperatures, and auto-shutdown.

Connections and Flow Paths (As Shown in Flow Diagram):

  • Geothermal Loop (Red Dotted Lines): Hot fluid from production well → well pump → vaporizer (transfers heat) → preheater (residual heat) → reinjection pump → reinjection well.

  • ORC Loop (Blue Solid Lines): Liquid working fluid from condenser → cycle pump → preheater (heated) → vaporizer (vaporized) → turbine (expands, powers generator) → condenser (cooled by air fans) → back to pump.

  • Electrical: Turbine shaft → generator → inverter/transformer for grid/emergency output.

  • Safety: Pressure relief valves on vaporizer and turbine; fire suppression around working fluid tank.

System Operation (Thermodynamic Blueprint Notes):

  • Heat transfer: Q = m × c_p × ΔT ≈ 5-6 MW thermal input (500-750 GPM at 80-100°F drop).

  • Efficiency: 9-10%, with state points: Working fluid inlet to turbine (saturated vapor, 200°F), exhaust (superheated, 100°F), condensed (liquid, 80°F).

  • Blueprint Scale: For 500 kW, vaporizer sized ~2-3 MW, condenser ~4-5 MW rejection. Adjust for your well: Test flow first.

2. Two-Stage Binary Cycle Blueprint (For Higher Efficiency, Scaled to 500 kW)This adds a second pressure stage for better heat extraction (10-12% efficiency), ideal if your well flow exceeds 600 GPM. Adapted from ESMAP and MIT theses for dual-pressure ORC.

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Schematic Overview: Similar to one-stage but with high-pressure (HP) and low-pressure (LP) loops for staged expansion. Layout: Larger ORC module (30x40 ft), two turbines, recuperator for efficiency. Total footprint ~1.5 acres.Components and Labels (Key Elements in Blueprint):

  • Production Well: Same as one-stage.

  • Vaporizers (2 Units): HP and LP shell-and-tube exchangers (1-2 MW each).

  • Preheaters (2 Units): HP and LP, for initial heating.

  • Recuperator: Shell-and-tube, transfers heat from HP turbine exhaust to LP working fluid.

  • Turbines (2 Units): HP (300 kW) and LP (200-300 kW), axial-flow, connected to single or dual generators.

  • Generator: 500 kW total, possibly shared shaft.

  • Condenser: Air-cooled, larger (~5 MW rejection) with fans.

  • Circulation Pumps (2 Units): HP and LP (5 HP each).

  • Reinjection Well: Same as one-stage.

  • Piping and Controls: Extended for dual stages, with split/merge points; PLC for pressure balancing.

Connections and Flow Paths (As Shown in Flow Diagram):

  • Geothermal Loop: Production well → well pump → HP vaporizer → LP vaporizer → HP preheater → LP preheater → reinjection pump → reinjection well.

  • ORC Loop: Condensed working fluid → split into HP/LP pumps → HP/LP preheaters → recuperator (HP exhaust heats LP fluid) → HP/LP vaporizers → HP/LP turbines (expand, power generator) → merge → condenser → back to pumps.

  • Electrical/Safety: Similar to one-stage, with added valves for stage isolation.

System Operation (Thermodynamic Blueprint Notes):

  • Staged Heating: Geothermal fluid cools stepwise (240°F inlet → 180°F after HP → 140°F after LP), maximizing ΔT.

  • Efficiency Boost: Recuperator preheats LP fluid using HP exhaust superheat, reducing heat input needs.

  • State Points: HP turbine inlet (220°F, 8-10 bar), LP (180°F, 3-5 bar); net 500 kW after 5-10% parasitic losses.

  • Blueprint Scale: For your setup, HP/LP split ~60/40 flow; use software like Aspen Plus for simulation.

Integration with Your Build Plans

  • Site Blueprint: Place production well upgradient, reinjection downgradient. Centralize ORC module near wells to minimize piping (budget $100k-200k).

  • Cost Estimate: One-stage: $800k-1.2M; two-stage: +20-30% for extras. Use grants to stay under $1M net.

  • Mechanics Recap: As before, heat Q drives vaporization; turbine work = η × (h_in - h_out), where η ~80-85%.

  • Next Steps: Reference DOE handbooks for full PDFs (e.g., esmap.org geothermal handbook).

    Test your well chemistry to finalize materials (e.g., titanium for corrosive fluids).

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Quick Answer

Web Links and Blueprints for Building a Binary ORC Geothermal Power PlantBased on your request for blueprints and web links to build a 500 kW binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) geothermal power plant (as discussed in our conversation), I've compiled relevant resources from reliable sources like the World Bank's ESMAP, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and geothermal research publications. These include PDFs with schematics, diagrams, and flow charts that can serve as blueprints for planning. However, these are conceptual and educational—actual construction requires custom engineering, permits, and professionals to adapt to your 240°F well in Clifton, Idaho. Building costs could still be kept under $1 million net with grants, but DIY is not advised due to safety and complexity.Key Web Links to PDFs with Blueprints and SchematicsThese links provide direct access to documents with detailed diagrams for binary plants. Download them for full visuals, as they include flow sheets, component layouts, and thermodynamic blueprints.

  1. ESMAP Overview of Binary Geothermal Power Plants

  2. Flash Cycle and Binary Geothermal Power Plant Optimization

  3. DOE Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Chapter 1

  4. ESMAP Geothermal Handbook: Planning and Financing Power Generation

Other useful links from searches:

Detailed Blueprint DescriptionsBelow are extracted descriptions of key blueprints/schematics from the linked documents. These can guide your build, focusing on one-stage (simpler for DIY) and two-stage (higher efficiency) designs scaled to 500 kW. Use them with the mechanics from our prior discussion (e.g., 500-750 GPM flow, isopentane working fluid).1. One-Stage Binary Cycle Blueprint (From ESMAP Overview and DOE EGS)

  • Source Diagrams: Figure 1/2-1 in ESMAP Overview; Figure 1.9a in DOE EGS.

  • Overall Layout: Compact site (~1 acre) with wells (400 ft deep), central ORC module (20x30 ft container), and elevated air-cooled condenser (20-30 ft). Geothermal loop (open) and ORC loop (closed) are separate to prevent mixing.

  • Components and Labels:

    • Production Well (PW): 8-12" diameter, with submersible pump (20-50 HP) for hot brine (240°F inlet).

    • Injection Well (IW): Similar depth, for reinjection.

    • Injection Pump (IP): Maintains reservoir circulation.

    • Preheater and Vaporizer/Boiler (Heat Exchangers): Shell-and-tube; brine on shell side heats working fluid (tube side) to vapor (pinch temp: 5-10°C).

    • Turbine (T): Axial/radial, expands vapor (200-220°F, 5-10 bar inlet) to generate 500-600 kW gross.

    • Generator (G): Synchronous, 480V/60Hz, shaft-connected.

    • Condenser (C): Air-cooled with fans (4-5 MW rejection); cools vapor to liquid (80-100°F outlet).

    • Cycle/Feed Pump: Centrifugal (5-10 HP), recirculates working fluid.

    • Cooling Tower/Water Pump (if hybrid): For enhanced cooling.

    • Controls: PLC for monitoring pressures/temperatures.

  • Flow Paths: Brine from PW → pump → vaporizer (heat transfer) → preheater → reinjection pump → IW. Working fluid: Liquid from condenser → pump → preheater → vaporizer (vaporized) → turbine (expansion, power gen) → condenser → repeat.

  • Thermodynamics: Q = 5-6 MW thermal input; efficiency 9-10%. Adapt for your well: Optimize high-side pressure ~29 bar.

  • Building Notes: Modular container for ORC; foundation for wells/piping. Timeline: 1-2 years.

2. Two-Stage Binary Cycle Blueprint (From ESMAP Overview)

  • Source Diagram: Figure 2/2-2 in ESMAP Overview.

  • Overall Layout: Slightly larger (1.5 acres) with dual stages for better heat recovery; central module (30x40 ft).

  • Components and Labels:

    • Production/Reinjection Wells: As above.

    • Vaporizers (2): HP and LP (1-2 MW each), staged heating.

    • Preheaters (2): HP and LP, before vaporizers.

    • Recuperators (2): Shell-and-tube; recover heat from HP exhaust to LP fluid (pinch: 5°C).

    • Turbines (2): HP (300 kW) and LP (200-300 kW), connected to shared generator.

    • Generator: 500 kW total.

    • Air-Cooled Condenser: Larger (5 MW rejection).

    • Circulation Pumps (2): HP/LP (5 HP each).

    • Controls: PLC for stage balancing.

  • Flow Paths: Brine: PW → pump → HP vaporizer/preheater → LP vaporizer/preheater → reinjection. Working fluid: Condensed → split to HP/LP pumps → preheaters → recuperators (HP exhaust heats LP) → vaporizers → HP/LP turbines → merge → condenser → repeat.

  • Thermodynamics: Staged cooling (240°F → 180°F HP → 140°F LP); efficiency 10-12%. Optimum pressures: HP 8-10 bar, LP 3-5 bar.

  • Building Notes: Add isolation valves for stages; suitable if your flow >600 GPM.

3. Optimization and Process Flow Blueprints (From GRC Optimization PDF)

  • Source Diagrams: Figure 3 (Typical Binary ORC Schematic); Figures 6a/6b (Cycle Optimization).

  • Components and Labels: Evaporator (brine → working fluid heat transfer); Turbine (80% efficiency); Regenerator (heat recovery); Condenser (air-cooled, 10-22°C cooling water); Pump (75% efficiency).

  • Flow PatBest Way to Get a Loan or Grant for Your Geothermal Power PlantThe optimal approach for funding your 500 kW geothermal power plant in Clifton, Idaho—especially tying it to greenhouses, food production, and emergency resiliency—is to structure it as a non-profit community initiative. This positions the project as a multifaceted effort: providing base-load renewable energy for emergency backup (e.g., during outages for homes, farms, or critical facilities), powering energy-efficient greenhouses or underground farms for local food production, and enhancing rural sustainability. As a non-profit (e.g., 501(c)(3) formed via the Idaho Secretary of State), you'll qualify for more grants, which are preferable over loans due to no repayment. Focus on federal programs like USDA REAP (ideal for geothermal + agriculture ties) and state resiliency grants, stacking them where possible (e.g., 50% from REAP + additional from resiliency funds) to stay under $1M net cost. Leverage the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) boosts for renewables in 2025.Key steps:

    1. Form the Non-Profit: Register as a community energy/food resiliency entity. This unlocks non-profit-specific grants and improves eligibility for resiliency funding.

    2. Conduct a Feasibility Study: Use free resources from Idaho National Lab or DOE to strengthen applications, emphasizing GHG reductions, rural jobs (e.g., in greenhouses), and emergency benefits (power for 90-95 high-usage homes or farms).

    3. Apply Strategically: Target grants first (up to 50-75% coverage); use loans as backups. Partner with local ag co-ops or utilities for joint applications.

    4. Tie-Ins: Highlight how geothermal waste heat powers greenhouses (e.g., for year-round food production), reduces food waste, and supports emergency food security/resiliency in rural Idaho.

    Below are the top grants and loans for 2025, based on current opportunities. Deadlines are time-sensitive—apply early via online portals.Top GrantsPrioritize these non-repayable funds, which can cover 25-50%+ of costs (e.g., $250K-500K for your scale).

    1. USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants

      • Details: Provides grants for renewable energy systems like geothermal (electric generation or direct use) and energy efficiency in agriculture. Ties perfectly to greenhouses/food production: Eligible for ag producers (50%+ income from farming) using funds for energy-efficient equipment in greenhouses or processing. Up to 50% federal share for zero-GHG projects in energy communities (check if Clifton qualifies via IRS tools); otherwise 25%. Minimum grant $2,500 (renewables) or $1,500 (efficiency); max $1M (renewables) or $500K (efficiency). $180M available annually through 2027, plus $20M set-aside for underutilized tech like geothermal.

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      • Eligibility for Your Project: Rural small businesses/non-profits (including co-ops) or ag producers; emphasize community benefits, emergency power, and ag integration (e.g., geothermal heat for greenhouses).

      • Deadlines: Year-round, but no grant apps July 1-Sep 30, 2025 (returned unprocessed). Quarterly competitions; next likely Q1 2026 post-blackout.

      • How to Apply: Via local USDA office (Idaho: rd.usda.gov/id); register at sam.gov. Contact state energy coordinator for help. Webinar resources available.

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      • Website: rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans.

    2. Idaho Energy Resiliency Grant Program (ERGP)

      • Details: Funds grid resiliency improvements, including renewables like geothermal for emergency backup. Past awards: $12M+ to utilities for 23 projects (e.g., $20K-$2M each); total investment $22M with leverage. Ties to community/non-profit energy projects for measurable resiliency (e.g., emergency power during outages).

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        No direct ag/food tie mentioned, but frame greenhouses as resilient food infrastructure.

      • Eligibility: Electric grid operators, generators, etc.; non-profits/co-ops may qualify via partnerships (e.g., with local utilities).

      • Deadlines: Round 2 apps due July 25, 2025, 11:59 PM MDT (missed for 2025? Check for extensions or Round 3).

      • How to Apply: Submit via OEMR; pre-app webinar recording available. Email questions to comments@oer.idaho.gov.

      • Website: oemr.idaho.gov/programs/idaho-energy-resiliency-grant-program/.

    3. Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Greenhouses in Transition Grants

      • Details: Supports transdisciplinary projects in the food-energy-water nexus for sustainable controlled environment agriculture (CEA), like greenhouses powered by renewables. Could tie geothermal as energy source for regional sustainability, reducing competition for resources.

        Funding split with partners (e.g., NWO for international).

      • Eligibility: U.S. institutions (non-profits qualify) with co-applicants/partners; emphasize expertise in energy/ag.

      • Deadlines: Not specified for 2025; monitor for calls (previous via NWO portal).

      • How to Apply: Sub-proposals via ISAAC portal; include U.S./international partners.

      • Website: foundationfar.org/grants-funding/opportunities/greenhouses-in-transition/.

    4. DOE EERE Funding Opportunities

      • Details: Open FOAs for 2025 include SolWEB2 (solar + ag/ecosystems, could inspire geothermal ties) and bioenergy (e.g., MASY for algal systems in ag). No direct geothermal, but check for new resiliency/community grants. Up to millions per project.

      • Eligibility: Non-profits, communities, ag entities for resiliency/ag-focused.

      • Deadlines: Vary; e.g., SolWEB2 concept papers Feb 14, 2025; full apps May 2, 2025.

      • How to Apply: Via eere-exchange.energy.gov.

      • Website: eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

    Other options: EPA Healthy Resilient Communities (up to $500K for pollution/resiliency; epa.gov/grants); Climate United NEXT (pre-dev grants; weareclimateunited.org/next-program).

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    Top Loans (Low-Interest Options as Backup)If grants fall short, use these for the remainder (e.g., 75% coverage).

    1. USDA REAP Guaranteed Loans

    2. SBA/USDA Rural Business Loans

      • Details: Low-interest (prime +1-2.75%) via SBA 504/7(a) or USDA B&I, up to $10M+ for renewables in rural areas. Ties to job creation in food production.

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      • Eligibility: Non-profits/rural businesses.

      • How to Apply: Via approved lenders; sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.

      • Website: sba.gov or usda.gov.

    For more, search Idaho-specific grants at idahononprofits.org or instrumentl.com/browse-grants/idaho.

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    Consult free advisors at USDA Idaho office or OEMR for application support.hs: Brine enters evaporator → vaporizes isopentane → turbine → regenerator → condenser → pump → repeat. Standalone ORC: 4624 kW gross at 29 bar high-side.

  • Building Notes: Scale to 500 kW by reducing flow; includes net efficiency ~15% for your temp.

For full visuals, download the PDFs. If you need more specific adaptations or grant help for building, let me know!

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