Exploring and developing renewable energy resources such as geothermal, wind, and hydro requires a significant upfront investment. The cost of resource exploration can be high, which may necessitate granting temporary rights to valuable assets in the field. Once commercial viability is proven, these temporary rights will need to be converted to long-term exploitation rights. Additionally, the cost associated with each segment of resource development has an immediate impact on the feasibility and sustainability of electrical energy production. The government plays a regulatory role in the energy industry, with agencies such as the US Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission overseeing various aspects of energy policy and production.