; and (2) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged in research and development of geothermal systems and related technology. (c) Site selection Of the FORGE sites referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) consider applications through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, from National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, institutes of higher education and other appropriate entities best suited to provide national leadership on geothermal related issues and perform the duties enumerated under subsection (b); and (2) prioritize existing field sites and facilities with capabilities relevant to the duties enumerated under subsection (b). (d) Funding There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the FORGE activities under this section— (1) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; (2) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; (3) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (4) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (5) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (6) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; (7) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; (8) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; (9) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (10) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. (e) Portfolio balance In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider the balance between funds dedicated to construction and operations and research activities to reflect the state of site development. 225. Advanced energy storage initiative (a) In general The Secretary shall carry out a research initiative to be known as the Advanced Energy Storage Initiative (referred to in this section as the Initiative ) to support and accelerate the research, development, and demonstration of advanced energy storage technologies, in order to— (1) support basic research in capabilities that enable temporal flexibility in the conversion of energy resources to useful energy services; (2) inform the development of a broad range of energy storage systems