The Geothermal Loan Guarantee Program

Need for Improvements Gao ID: EMD-80-26 January 24, 1980

The purpose of the geothermal loan guarantee program is to encourage and assist commercial development of useful energy from geothermal resources. The program is also intended to develop normal borrower-lender relationships which will in time encourage the flow of credit to assist geothermal development without the need for Federal assistance. The program is managed by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Resource Applications. The Manager of the DOE San Fransisco Operations Office has been delegated national operational authority for the program since most of the geothermal resources expected to be developed by 1985 are in the western half of the United States. Under this delegation, the Manager: accepts, evaluates, and recommends approval of project applications based on priorities DOE has developed for the selection of projects; monitors project status; and coordinates activity in default situations. Final project approval authority rests with the Assistant Secretary for Resource Applicatitions.

The program has had only limited effect on accelerating geothermal energy development and DOE has approved only four projects since the program's enactment in 1974. One reason for the limited progress is the technical and economic uncertainties of developing geothermal resources. DOE has never developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy for the program and there have been a number of management problems. As a result, it is highly unlikely that the program will meet its objectives, particularly its goal to establish normal borrower-lender relationships when the program's legislation expires in 1984. Other results have been reactive decisionmaking and the selection of projects not meeting the program's highest priority needs. The program has also been plagued by administrative delays due to redundant review and selection procedures, which may discourage potential applicants. Other delays, including decisions on the use of the Federal Financing Bank and interest differential payments have resulted from the Department's failure to settle unresolved policy issues in a timely manner.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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