2025 Geothermal Investment Forum

Join Geothermal Rising (GR) and the International Geothermal Association (IGA) for the 2025 Geothermal Investment Forum designed to bring together stakeholders— investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts—to facilitate collaboration, investment opportunities, and innovation across the broad spectrum of geothermal technologies.
Why Attend?
- Map Geothermal Investment: Delve into the growth potential, trends and opportunities in the geothermal space.
- Analyze Industry Trends: Gain insights with market analysis and forecasts while examining the dynamics of the geothermal ecosystem.
- Network with Key Stakeholders: Connect with investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and other geothermal stakeholders to build relationships that can lead to future partnerships.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Contact Kerry Fellers for more information.
Agenda
Tuesday, June 24
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Plenary Session
- Keynote - Why Now for Geothermal? Unlocking the Next Era of Energy Investment and Innovation
- Keynote – Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy
10:30 AM- 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel: Evaluating Geothermal Projects/Assets for Investment: Risks, Rewards, and Realities
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investment in Practice: The Why and the How
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Plenary Keynote: Betting on the Heat: How Investors are Powering Geothermal’s Rise
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Superhot Rock – Lessons from the Front Lines
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Panel: Utility Buyer Drivers for Geothermal Development: Meeting Demand with Reliable, Renewable Energy
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Partnering with Service Companies - Lessons from the Front Lines
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Reception: Partnering with the TXLAOK Regional Interest Group
Wednesday, June 25
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session – Keynote: Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel: Investing in the Heat Beneath: Structures, Risk, and Opportunity
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Fireside Chat: Bridging Innovation Between Oilfield Services and Geothermal Startups
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel: Acquisitions, Alliances, and Partnerships
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Geothermal Technology – Lessons from the Front Lines
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Panel: Smart Growth: Navigating Bolt-on Acquisitions in Geothermal
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Networking Break
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Startup-Investor Speed Networking Session
Agenda subject to change.
Detailed Agenda
Tuesday, June 24
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Plenary Session
- Keynote - Why Now for Geothermal? Unlocking the Next Era of Energy Investment and Innovation: Join us for a keynote address by a leading institutional investor who is helping shape the future of energy markets. Drawing from real-world experience in scaling investments across emerging technologies, this session will explore how institutional capital is approaching the geothermal sector and adjacent opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into what drives large-scale investment decisions, how risk and return are evaluated in the energy transition, and why geothermal is increasingly seen as a critical pillar for sustainable, resilient infrastructure. This keynote will offer strategic perspectives for anyone looking to understand where smart money is heading—and why now is the time to act.
- Keynote – Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy: Join us for a high-level keynote offering a strategic outlook on the evolving geothermal market. As the global demand for clean, firm energy grows, geothermal is gaining renewed attention from policymakers, investors, and developers alike. This session will provide an in-depth analysis of current trends, emerging markets, and the technologies reshaping what’s possible in the sector. From near-term opportunities to long-range potential, the keynote will explore where the industry is headed—and what it will take to scale geothermal to meet global energy needs. Whether you're an investor, operator, or policymaker, this session will help frame the road ahead for geothermal energy.
10:30 AM- 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel: Evaluating Geothermal Projects/Assets for Investment: Risks, Rewards, and Realities
Investing in geothermal energy requires a thorough understanding of resource potential, project economics, and risk factors. This panel will provide a deep dive into the key criteria for evaluating geothermal projects and assets, from geological assessments and technological feasibility to financial modeling and regulatory considerations. Industry experts and investors will discuss best practices for due diligence, risk mitigation strategies, and how to align investment decisions with long-term returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to geothermal, this session will equip you with the tools to make informed investment choices in this growing sector.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investment in Practice: The Why and the How
Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a candid conversation between an investor and a startup founder working at the forefront of clean energy innovation. They will share firsthand perspectives on how investment decisions are made, how partnerships are built, and how emerging technologies are being scaled in real time. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from bringing breakthrough energy projects to market. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of energy, this session offers a unique, real-world look at what it takes to drive innovation forward.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Plenary Keynote: Betting on the Heat: How Investors are Powering Geothermal’s Rise
This keynote will offer an inside look at emerging trends in geothermal investment from the perspective of a leading venture capital firm. As demand for reliable baseload energy grows, geothermal is increasingly capturing the attention of energy-focused investors. The speaker will share how VCs are evaluating opportunities in the sector—from breakthrough technologies to scalable project models—and what criteria they prioritize when backing startups or early-stage developers. With experience across the broader energy innovation landscape, this keynote will contextualize where geothermal fits in the clean tech portfolio and outline the signals that indicate market readiness, growth potential, and investment viability.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Superhot Rock – Lessons from the Front Lines
Get an inside look at how an investor and a startup founder partnered to advance one of the most promising clean energy technologies: superhot rock geothermal. This conversation will explore the investment strategy, early-stage challenges, and why superhot rock is capturing serious attention as a game-changer for the global energy mix.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Panel: Utility Buyer Drivers for Geothermal Development: Meeting Demand with Reliable, Renewable Energy
As utilities work to meet clean energy mandates, enhance grid reliability, and provide cost-effective power to customers, geothermal energy is emerging as a key solution. This panel will explore the factors driving utility interest in geothermal, including baseload reliability, resource adequacy, long-term price stability, and regulatory incentives. Power experts will discuss what utilities look for in geothermal projects, how developers can align with utility needs, and the role of geothermal in future energy portfolios. Attendees will gain valuable insights into market trends, procurement strategies, and pathways for expanding geothermal’s role in the energy mix.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Partnering with Service Companies - Lessons from the Front Lines
Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a candid conversation between an investor and a startup founder working at the forefront of clean energy innovation. They will share firsthand perspectives on how investment decisions are made, how partnerships are built, and how emerging technologies are being scaled in real time. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from bringing breakthrough energy projects to market. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of energy, this session offers a unique, real-world look at what it takes to drive innovation forward.
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Reception: Partnering with the TXLAOK Regional Interest Group
Join us for an evening of connection and collaboration as we partner with the Texas-Louisiana-Oklahoma (TXLAOK) Regional Interest Group to bring together leaders from across the geothermal, energy, and investment communities. This informal networking reception offers a valuable opportunity to meet fellow attendees, share insights, and build relationships that can spark new partnerships and projects. Whether you're local to the region or visiting from out of town, come enjoy great conversations, refreshments, and regional hospitality.
Wednesday, June 25
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session – Keynote: Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy
Join us for a high-level keynote offering a strategic outlook on the evolving geothermal market. As the global demand for clean, firm energy grows, geothermal is gaining renewed attention from policymakers, investors, and developers alike. This session will provide an in-depth analysis of current trends, emerging markets, and the technologies reshaping what’s possible in the sector. From near-term opportunities to long-range potential, the keynote will explore where the industry is headed—and what it will take to scale geothermal to meet global energy needs. Whether you're an investor, operator, or policymaker, this session will help frame the road ahead for geothermal energy.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel: Investing in the Heat Beneath: Structures, Risk, and Opportunity
With rising demand for sustainable, baseload power—especially from energy-hungry sectors like data centers—geothermal is uniquely positioned for scalable growth. Our panel will explore emerging deal structures that align geothermal assets with the needs of hyperscale infrastructure, creating long-term, de-risked investment opportunities. Experts will also address how insurers are evolving to back greenfield developments and next-gen geothermal technologies, improving bankability and accelerating project timelines. Finally, we’ll break down permitting trends in Texas, a state quickly becoming a hotbed for geothermal investment thanks to a favorable regulatory shift and abundant subsurface resources. If you're looking for strategic entry points into a resilient and rapidly growing market, this conversation is not to be missed.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Fireside Chat: Bridging Innovation Between Oilfield Services and Geothermal Startups
This fireside chat explores the evolving relationship between a leading oilfield services provider and a cutting-edge geothermal startup, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how traditional energy expertise is being leveraged to support next-generation clean energy innovation. Hear firsthand how legacy capabilities in drilling, subsurface analysis, and project execution are being applied to geothermal—and what this means for scaling new technologies. The conversation will also highlight the startup’s path to partnership, the strategic alignment that made collaboration possible, and the broader implications for cross-sector investment and innovation.
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel: Acquisitions, Alliances, and Partnerships
This panel will examine how strategic acquisitions, alliances, and partnerships are accelerating geothermal market growth and shaping the future of the industry. Panelists will share insights on what drives successful collaborations between operators, investors, and technology providers—whether through M&A, joint ventures, or structured partnerships. The conversation will highlight how these relationships can unlock capital, reduce risk, scale deployment, and foster innovation across the geothermal value chain. For those looking to understand how strategic alignment fuels expansion, this session offers actionable perspectives from leaders on the front lines.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Geothermal Technology – Lessons from the Front Lines
This fireside chat features a conversation between an investor and a startup founder who are working together to accelerate geothermal development through bolt-on technologies. Learn how incremental innovations—designed to enhance existing geothermal assets or unlock new ones—are attracting strategic investment and driving measurable impact. The discussion will cover how bolt-on solutions are de-risked for investors, shorten project timelines, and create scalable opportunities within the broader clean energy transition. If you’re interested in how smart, targeted technology can transform legacy energy infrastructure, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Panel: Smart Growth: Navigating Bolt-on Acquisitions in Geothermal
As geothermal gains traction in the clean mix, bolt-on acquisitions may be an emerging as a strategic lever for scaling innovation, accelerating deployment, and maximizing asset value. This panel brings together investors, developers, and technology leaders to unpack what makes a geothermal project or solution a smart acquisition target. From identifying strategic fit and commercial viability to managing risk and unlocking synergies, panelists will share real-world insights on how bolt-on deals are shaping the next phase of geothermal growth. Whether you're building, buying, or scaling, this session offers practical guidance on how to use acquisitions to drive results.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Networking Break
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Startup-Investor Speed Networking Session
Designed to spark meaningful connections quickly, this high-energy "speed dating" session matches geothermal startups with investors for a series of rapid one-on-one conversations. Each meeting offers a chance to pitch, ask questions, and explore potential partnerships in a focused, time-efficient format. Whether you're an investor looking for your next opportunity or a startup seeking strategic capital, this session is built to accelerate introductions and open the door to deeper discussions. Be ready with your elevator pitch—and plenty of business cards!
Hotel & Travel
All programming will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston:
Marriott Marquis Houston
1777 Walker St
Houston, TX 77010
Geothermal Rising has negotiated a special block specifically for our event attendees. All conference attendees should make every effort to stay at the official event hotel. Supporting the official hotel room block provides staff support to resolve hotel reservation disputes; ensures attendees receive all applicable discounts and materials; and assists GR in maintaining affordable, quality programming.
The conference hotel room rate is $259 plus tax per room, per night. Rooms are available on a first come, first-serve basis through the Tuesday, June 3, 2025, reservation deadline. After this time, reservations will be available based on hotel occupancy and availability.
Click here to make your reservation today!
Please note that the hotel will never call or contact you directly about making reservations. To ensure your room is in the official Geothermal Rising Room Block, you should only book your room by using the housing link above or by calling the Marriott Marquis Houston directly.
Hotel Check-in: 4:00 PM
Hotel Check-out: 11:00 AM
The Marriott Marquis Houston is an approximate 20-minute car ride from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and an approximate 15-minute car ride from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Registration
Registration Fees:
- GR Members - $895
- Non-Members - $995
Registration Information: The symposium fee includes all sessions, activities and meal functions.
Registration cancellation requests must be made in writing and emailed to registration@geothermal.org by Wednesday, May 21, 2025, for a partial refund. A $75 processing fee applies to cancellations postmarked or emailed by this date. NO REFUNDS will be made for cancellation requests after Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Substitution(s) can be made at any time, with prior approval.
Speakers
- Kevin Bonebrake, Chief Financial Officer, Quaise
- Andrew Coleman, Executive Director, Corporate, Affairs, EPRI
- Mark Cupta, Managing Director, Prelude Ventures
- Derek Dixon, Vice President Business Development, GreenFire Energy
- Rob Klenner, President, GreenFire Energy
- Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
- Steve Krase, Chief Executive Officer, Hephae Energy Technology
- Greg Leveille, CEO, Tidal Wave Technologies, LLC
- Suhrid Mantravadi, Partner, Grey Rock Investment Partners
- Kirsten Marcia, President/CEO, DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp.
- Sean Marshall, Business Development Manager – Renewables & Energy Efficiency, SLB
- Ajit Menon, Vice President, Geothermal and Energy Transition, Baker Hughes
- Jonathan Sisto, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Energy Transition, RBC
- Bridget Silva, Chief Business Development Officer, GT Titan
- Brian Smith, Director, Strategy, Baker Hughes
- Justin Treat, Senior Vice President, Oil & Gas, CAC Specialty
- Stephanie Wisner, Managing Director, Global Banking & Markets Energy Technology Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC
- Nortey Yeboah, Principal Engineer, Southern Company
Additional speaker announcements forthcoming!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the 2025 Geothermal Rising Finance Symposium provides your organization the opportunity to extend your brand's outreach and educate attendees about your brand while networking with the geothermal community.
We have a variety of options best suited to help YOU reach YOUR goals - from networking events, branding opportunities to attendee engagement, we have something just for you. Interested in learning more?
CONTACT:
Candi Calderone, Industry Relations Manager
candi@geothermal.org
1.856.437.4742

