Geothermal Development in the Western US: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward Symposium

December 2-3, 2024

Location

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Date

Dec 02, 2024

Symposium

Symposium Overview

Unlock the Future of Geothermal Energy at the Geothermal Opportunities Symposium!

Discover current policy strategies and solutions for overcoming the challenges facing geothermal energy in the Western United States at our comprehensive symposium. This pivotal event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address pressing issues, share best practices, and chart a path forward for sustainable geothermal development.

Why Attend?

Explore Key Challenges: Delve into the current obstacles impacting geothermal operations, from regulatory hurdles to technological limitations.
Innovative Policy Solutions: Gain insights into breakthrough policy and legislation designed to overcome these challenges and enhance geothermal efficiency.
Network with Experts: Connect with top professionals, researchers, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of geothermal energy.
Strategic Insights: Learn about emerging trends and successful programs in workforce development and opportunities that will drive the growth of geothermal power in the Western US.

Be part of the conversation that will define the future of geothermal energy. Secure your spot today and contribute to advancing the sustainable energy landscape.

Symposium Information

Agenda

Detailed Agenda

Monday, December 2, 2024

12:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Registration

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Opening Plenary Session

This engaging session will set the stage for a day of productive dialogue and networking.

Speakers:

Nick Goodman, Alpine Energy Group

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Local Spotlight Fervo

Industry pioneers and sustainability advocates, Fervo Energy, will present on their exciting drilling technology advancements accomplished in the last year. Gain insight on how their team has made geothermal headlines for high profile financing partnerships, power purchase agreements and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology. Discover how their cutting-edge techniques are unlocking vast geothermal resources in Utah, driving down costs, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Navigating Power Production and Off-Taker Agreements in Geothermal Energy

In the evolving energy landscape, geothermal power producers who also act as private off-takers are charting a unique path in the sector. This panel will delve into the multifaceted roles these players assume, exploring how their dual responsibilities influence both the development and the utilization of geothermal energy.

Panelists:

Michael Callahan, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), U.S. Department of Defense
Ahmann Kenneth, Colusa Indian Energy Corp.
Ben Serrurier, Fervo Energy
Ryan Tracey, Sonoma Clean Power

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Workforce Development

The geothermal industry is rapidly growing, but how do we create and maintain a sustainable pipeline of workers for the sector? During this session, various guest speakers and panelists will provide an overview of where the workforce is and where it’s projected to go, the pathways students can take from trade schools to PhDs, and the opportunities the public and private sector has in supporting early career professionals as well as the existing workforce with transferable skills. Presentations will highlight successful programs and provide best practices for replicating and expanding educational pathways that will allow us to effectively engage and retain the next generation of geothermal leaders and workers.

Moderator: Vanessa Robertson, Geothermal Rising

Panelists:

Dr. Cary Lindsey, UNR Great Basin Center of Geothermal Energy
John McLellan, University of Utah
Efrain Silva, Imperial College
Robert Vilches, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | GR Utah RIG Networking Reception

Wrap up the first day of your symposium experience with a relaxed and engaging networking social hour in the heart of Salt Lake City! Join fellow geothermal professionals at the Utah RIG (Regional Interest Group) event, for an evening of conversation, connection, and collaboration as we close out the day!

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration & Information

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast

Enjoy a selection of hot foods and beverages that will not only wake you up but also keep you refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Connect with fellow conference attendees in a relaxed setting. This is a perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues, meet new industry contacts, and set the stage for fruitful interactions throughout the day.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session and Facilitated Discussion

Kick off your day with an engaging Morning Plenary Session featuring a distinguished panel of speakers. Hear from a leading board member on strategic industry advancements, a U.S. Senator discussing policy impacts, a tribal leader sharing insights on indigenous perspectives and collaboration, and a local state leader, such as a governor, addressing regional initiatives and support for geothermal projects. Following the plenary, join us for a dynamic facilitated discussion to explore these topics further, engage in meaningful dialogue, and collaborate with peers on practical solutions. This session will set the tone for a day of insightful discussions and networking.

Speakers:

Nick Goodman, Alpine Energy Group
Christian Hardwick, Utah Geological Survey
Faith Smith, NREL

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Spotlight on FORGE

This presentation will shine a light on significant advances made at local success story – the DoE funded Utah FORGE project. Recently celebrated for its groundbreaking testing and advancements, the Utah FORGE project exemplifies innovation in geothermal energy and has achieved industry important advancements in de-risking the tools and technologies necessary for widespread geothermal commercialization.

Speakers:

Dr. Joe Moore, Utah FORGE
Dr. Kristine Pankow, University of Utah

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Networking Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Regional Updates – Regulations, Projects & Grant Opportunities

Gain a comprehensive overview of geothermal exploration and development in the western United States with our Regional Update panel. This session will feature insights from representatives of several western states, each at different stages of building and implementing regulatory frameworks for geothermal energy projects. Learn about the diverse approaches and progress being made in various regions as panelists share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Discover how different states are developing policies, infrastructure, funding mechanisms and regulations to support geothermal growth and innovation.

Moderator: Caity Smith, Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals

Panelists:

Senator Nate Blouin, District 13, Utah State Senate
John Morgan, Colorado ECMC
Scott Nicols, Ormat Technologies, Inc.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Harnessing Low to Medium Temperature Geothermal Resources – Direct Use Applications and Thermal Energy Networks

Explore cascading models and direct use applications of geothermal resources in our panel discussion. This session will delve into innovative uses of geothermal resources for direct heating and cooling, health and wellness applications at hot spring resorts, the development of thermal energy networks, as well as recreational uses. Gain insights from industry experts on successful implementations, emerging technologies, economic impact and the benefits of integrating geothermal solutions into various systems.

Moderator: Jessica Meath, Hot Springs Association

Panelists:

Jeff Birkby, Hot Springs Association

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Networking Break

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | What’s Ahead in 2025: Tax Incentives and Financing for Geothermal Exploration

Join us for an informative panel session exploring the crucial role of tax incentives in overcoming the high costs associated with geothermal exploration. Tax policy is liking to be a major focus for Congress in the year ahead. This discussion will feature experts in finance, policy, and geothermal development who will analyze current and proposed incentives designed to stimulate investment in geothermal projects. Panelists will share insights on how these incentives can effectively reduce financial barriers, promote innovation, and drive sustainable growth in the geothermal sector. Learn about current and upcoming tax policies, successful case studies, and strategies for leveraging these incentives to maximize project viability and attract investment.

Moderator: Matthew Mailloux, ClearPath

Panelists:

Gavin Dillingham, SLB
Vanessa Robertson, Geothermal Rising
Jeanine Vany, Eavor Technologies Inc.
Tony Viola, Ormat Technologies, Inc.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Plenary Session

Conclude your symposium experience with the Closing Plenary Session, an essential wrap-up that brings together key insights and discussions from the event. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the symposium’s highlights, featuring reflections from prominent local industry leaders, such as Carl Hoiland, co-founder and CEO of SLC based Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals, who will summarize the key takeaways and emerging trends in geothermal energy.

Speaker: Carl Holland, Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception

Connect and Collaborate After the Closing Plenary! Cap off the symposium with our Networking Reception, held immediately after the Closing Plenary Session. This informal yet engaging event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow GeoOpp Symposium attendees, exchange ideas based on the riveting panel discussions, and build valuable relationships.

Additional speakers are forthcoming. Schedule subject to change.

Geothermal Direct Use and Power Developers
Investor-Owned Utilities
Oil & Gas Commissions
Policy Makers
Public Utility Commissions
Public Utility Unions
Rural Electric Co-ops
State Energy Offices

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