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
- Katrina McLaughlin, World Resources Institute
- Senator Mike Lee, United States Senate (Utah)
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.
Speakers:
- Ben Serrurier, Fervo Energy
- Jen Wakeland, Beaver Co., Utah
- Quinn Woodard, Fervo 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.
Moderator: Laura Chairemonte, EPRI
Panelists:
- Michael Callahan, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), U.S. Department of Defense
- Ryan Tracey, Sonoma Clean Power
- Ben Serrurier, Fervo Energy
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 Basic Center of Geothermal Energy
- Dr. John McLennan, 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
The Morning Plenary session will begin with welcome remarks from geothermal enthusiast and new Utah Senator-elect, John Curtis. The distinguished plenary speakers will present the intersection of state and federal policy, the challenges and opportunities for geothermal development in the U.S., and how government initiatives are shaping the future of clean energy. Emphasis will be placed on Tribal energy independence, and research being done by the National Renewable Energy Lab. This plenary session will bring together a range of perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of how strategic industry collaboration, state and federal policy, and indigenous energy initiatives are shaping the future of geothermal energy in the United States.
Speakers:
- Senator-Elect John Curtis, United States Senate (Utah)
- Matt Dannenberg, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
- Nick Goodman, Alpine Energy Group
- Christian Hardwick, Utah Geological Survey
- Daniel Minguez, Cyrq Energy
- 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
- Travis Kellerman, New Mexico Legislature
- John Morgan, Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission
- Scott Nichols, Ormat Technologies, Inc.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Harnessing Low to Medium Temperature 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
- Paige Curry, Astoria Hot Springs Park
- Carter Johnson, Egg Geo, LLC
- Cary Smith, Sound Geothermal
- Michael Chien, Bedrock Energy
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
- Caity Smith, Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals
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 leader, 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 Hoiland, 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.
Wednesday, December 4 (Additional Workshop Opportunity)
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | A Way Forward: Pathways to Trust for Geothermal Projects in Tribal Communities Workshop
This 8-hour workshop aims to educate geothermal energy providers on how to foster equitable and respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations, focusing on cultural issues and respect for Tribal sovereignty. The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy will emphasize the WHY when addressing why it is important to identify cultural microaggressions, understanding the legal challenges, and common misconceptions about Tribal Nations. Pulling from the Alliance’s Pathways to Trust Program: A Learning Journey Towards Equitable Tribal Partnerships fully developed cultural competency modules, the Alliance will offer strategies that have proven successful for building trust with Tribes and provide attendees with a glimpse of how to develop culturally sensitive geothermal projects with Tribal Nations.
Learn more here!
Additional speakers are forthcoming. Schedule subject to change.
