The Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy (GBCGE) was informally organized within the Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2000. The formation of the GBCGE was in response to new congressional initiatives for accelerated development of renewable energy sources in the western US. Funding has primarily been provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, and supports research into many aspects of geothermal exploration and development, as well as education.