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Dr. Nicole Lautze (University of Hawai’i at Mānoa) Nicole is a Full Professor for HIGP in SOEST, where she founded and directs the Hawai’i Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center (HGGRC). Along with Mike Kaleikini (Ormat) Mike is the Senior Director, Hawai’i Affairs at Ormat, focused on renewable and recovered energy interests in Hawai`i, and Keil Anderson (Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co.) Keil is the Manager of Transmission and Distribution Services for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co.’s Pacific
Office.
 

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Tuesday, April 7

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Opening Plenary Session

• Keynote -  Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy
• Keynote – Why Now for Geothermal? Unlocking the Next Era of Energy Investment and Innovation

10:00 AM- 10:30 AM | Networking Break

10:30 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: Innovative Energy Storage

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: Funding Next Generation Development

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 – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception

Wednesday, April 8

7:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Registration

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM |  Morning Plenary Session – Keynote: Financing Geothermal’s Missing Middle

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 Cutting-Edge Technology

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 – 6:00 PM | Startup-Investor Speed Networking Session

Agenda subject to change.

Tuesday, April 7

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Opening Plenary Session

Keynote – Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy: Dr. Medlock will provide a concise, data-driven overview of the global geothermal market and key growth regions. He will also explore the geopolitical and economic forces shaping market development—from energy security priorities and shifting trade dynamics to policy frameworks, capital flows, and supply chain considerations. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how global trends are influencing investment, deployment, and the strategic role geothermal can play in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Keynote Speaker:

• Ken Medlock, Senior Director of the Center for Energy Studies, Rice University

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 Speaker:

• Suhrid Mantravadi, Partner, Grey Rock Investment Partners

10:00 AM- 10:30 AM | Networking Break

10:30 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 planned returns and timeline. 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.

Moderator: Mike Matson, Partner & Associate Director, Low Carbon Solutions Global Lead of Geothermal, BCG

Panelists:

• Joey Husband, Senior Advisor, Nabors Energy Transition Ventures, Nabors
• Jesper Jolma, President at Baseload Power US, Baseload
• Florent Rousset, Geothermal Vice President, New Energies, Baker Hughes
• Kerry Sandhu, Director North America, Ad Terra
• Nick Williams, Managing Director & Head of Infrastructure, Americas, EIG Partners
• Elizabeth Wolfe, Sr. Consultant, Energy Dominance Financing, DOE

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investment in Practice: Innovative Energy Storage

This session will feature a candid conversation on a project at the forefront of clean energy innovation. Together, they will explore how capital is being deployed into projects that integrate geothermal solutions into the built environment—featuring an investment in a water park utilizing geothermal storage for efficient, year-round energy management. They will share firsthand perspectives on how investment decisions are made, how partnerships are structured, and how emerging technologies are scaled in real time. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from bringing innovative, revenue-generating energy projects to market, offering a compelling look at how geothermal can unlock new value in real estate development.

Moderator: Chris Mudd, Managing Partner, Chiron Financial

Speakers:

• Brooks Brydges, Founding Partner, Cardiff Capital Collab, LLC
• Jay Egg, President, Egg Geo

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

Capital is increasingly flowing into the geothermal sector as investors recognize its potential to deliver reliable, baseload clean energy alongside attractive, long-term returns. Driven by rising demand for energy security, supportive policy frameworks, and advances in drilling and subsurface technologies, geothermal is gaining attention from institutional investors, private equity, and infrastructure funds. This keynote will reflect the  growing momentum and  broader shift toward diversified, resilient energy portfolios, signaling expanding opportunities across both traditional projects and emerging applications.

Keynote Speaker:

• Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Funding Next Generation Development

This fireside chat will explore how next-generation geothermal projects are being financed, bringing together perspectives from investors and developers at the cutting edge of the sector. The conversation will highlight emerging funding models, risk mitigation strategies, and what it takes to attract capital to innovative geothermal technologies, offering practical insights into scaling the next wave of development.

Moderator: Thomas Shattuck, Attorney, Clifford Chance US LLP

Speakers:

• Henk Both, Principal, Anzu Partners
• Lucy Darago, Chief Commercial Officer, XGS

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.

Moderator: Andrew Coleman, Executive Director, Corporate, Affairs, EPRI

Panelists:

• Pete Franetovich, President, Zenergy
• Taylor Moot, Senior Innovation Technology Consultant, Xcel Energy
• Nortey Yeboah, Principal Engineer, Southern Company

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Partnering with Service Companies - Lessons from the Front Lines

This fireside chat will explore innovative models, non-traditional partnerships, and creative pathways to support the growth of geothermal startups. Bringing together a start-up and global service company leader the discussion will highlight how collaborations within the energy ecosystem can unlock new markets and accelerate commercialization. Attendees will gain insight into strategic alliances and the evolving ecosystem helping early-stage geothermal companies scale and succeed.

Moderator: Stephanie Wisner, Managing Director | Global Banking & Markets, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Speakers:

• Nitin Goel, Vice President of New Energy Strategy, SLB
• Kirsten Marcia, President/CEO, DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception

Join us for an evening of connection and collaboration with 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, April 8

7:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Registration

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session – Keynote: Financing Geothermal’s Missing Middle

Subsurface risk in next-generation geothermal is widely misunderstood to be “all-or-nothing”, leading investors and policymakers to apply outdated risk frameworks that no longer reflect technological reality. A more accurate framing, given today’s advanced technologies, is that subsurface risk consists of both binary resource risk and non-binary appraisal uncertainty. Unlike their conventional counterparts, next-generation geothermal developers use technologies that have dramatically reduced resource risk—the risk that usable heat does not exist. Instead, their dominant uncertainty lies in appraisal uncertainty: whether engineered wells can be drilled repeatedly, at predictable cost, and deliver stable heat output over time. Appraisal uncertainty is non-binary, engineering-driven, and only resolvable through capital-intensive early drilling. Today, capital markets provide funds for investments in unconventional oil & gas, with similar risks but much larger near-term upside. However, the relatively lower utility-scale returns of geothermal projects mean that capital isn’t as available for the geothermal industry. This keynote will outline the scope of this market gap and highlight potential investment policy strategies, such as appraisal drilling insurance, that can overcome such a gap.

Keynote Speaker:

• Mike O'Connor, Director, Western States Geothermal Consortium Deputy Director, Energy Programs, Center for Public Enterprise

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 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 also address how permitting and regulatory frameworks vary across key geothermal markets in the U.S. and what that means for project execution and capital deployment. If you're looking for strategic entry points into a resilient and rapidly growing market, this conversation is not to be missed.

Moderator: Derek Dixon, Vice President Business Development, GreenFire Energy

Panelists:

• Travis Annatoyn, Counsel, Arnold & Porter
• Matt Bormann, Head of North America Clean Technology, Moelis
• Justin Treat, Senior Vice President, Oil & Gas, CAC Specialty
• Marcus Oesterberg, Chief Operating Officer, Ignis Energy

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

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Fireside Chat: Building an Investor Base for New Innovation

This fireside chat will spotlight a leading geothermal startup and the journey behind securing a roster of high-profile investors. The conversation will explore how the company positioned its technology, built credibility, and navigated the fundraising landscape to attract strategic capital. Attendees will gain practical insights into investor expectations, storytelling, and the key factors that can elevate a startup from early-stage innovation to a compelling investment opportunity.

Moderator: Alix Steel, Principal, Drive Path Advisors

Speakers: 

• Karim Hemani, Chief Financial Officer, Sage Geosystems 
• Geet Bhatt, Director of Investment Banking, Barclays

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.

Moderator: Sean Marshall, Business Development Manager – Renewables & Energy Efficiency, SLB

Panelists:

• Oritsegbubemi Bafor, Technology Delivery Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency, SLB
• John Bakht, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright
• Antonio Montero Perez, Executive Director Sustainability & Low Carbon Transition Advisory USA, BBVA
• Julia Wright, Board Chair, Hephae Energy Technology

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Cutting-Edge Technology

This fireside chat will bring together an investor and a startup founder to explore what it takes to fund and scale breakthrough technologies for the most ambitious frontier of in geothermal, superhot rock development. The conversation will highlight how investors evaluate high-risk, high-reward innovations, the technical and commercial milestones required to unlock capital, and the collaborative approaches needed to advance next-generation geothermal solutions. Attendees will gain insight into how cutting-edge ideas are moving from concept to investment-ready opportunities.  

Moderator: Philip Ball, Director, GEA

Speakers:

• Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
• Steve Krase, Chief Executive Officer, Hephae Energy Technology

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 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.

Moderator: Brian Smith, Director, Strategy, Baker Hughes

Panelists:

• Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
• Greg Leveille, Chief Executive Officer, Tidal Wave Technologies, LLC
• Tim Ong, Partner, Worley

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Networking Break

3:15 PM – 6:00 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!

All programming will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston:

Marriott Marquis Houston

1777 Walker St

Houston, TX 77010

Reserve Your Room Today!

The Geothermal Rising Room Block has closed but rooms are still available! 

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. Reservations will be available based on hotel occupancy and availability. 

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 approximately 20 miles from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and 10 miles from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Registration Fees: 

• GR Members - $895 Early Bird | $1,045 Late
• Non-Members - $995 Early Bird | $1,145 Late

REGISTER TODAY!

Early Bird Deadline is Monday, February 23, 2026

Registration Information: The symposium fee includes all sessions, activities and meal functions. Please contact Geothermal Rising at registration@geothermal.org for assistance.

Cancellation Policy: Registration cancellation requests must be made in writing and emailed to registration@geothermal.org by Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 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 Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Substitution(s) can be made at any time, with prior approval.

• Travis Annatoyn, Counsel, Arnold & Porter
• Oritsegbubemi Bafor, Technology Delivery Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency, SLB
• John Bakht, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright
• Geet Bhatt, Director of Investment Banking, Barclays
• Henk Both, Principal, Anzu Partners
• Matt Bormann, Head of North America Clean Technology, Moelis
• Philip Ball, Director, GEA
• Brooks Brydges, Founding Partner, Cardiff Capital Collab, LLC
• Elizabeth Cambre, North America Business Development Manager for New Energies, Vallourec
• Andrew Coleman, Executive Director, Corporate, Affairs, EPRI
• Lucy Darago, Chief Commercial Officer, XGS
• Derek Dixon, Vice President Business Development, GreenFire Energy
• Jay Egg, President, Egg Geo
• Pete Franetovich, President, Zenergy
• Nitin Goel, Vice President of New Energy Strategy, SLB
• Karim Hemani, Chief Financial Officer, Sage Geosystems 
• Joey Husband, Senior Advisor, Nabors Energy Transition Ventures, Nabors 
• Jolma Jesper, President at Baseload Power US, Baseload
• Rob Klenner, President, GreenFire Energy
• Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
• Steve Krase, Chief Executive Officer, Hephae Energy Technology
• Greg Leveille, Chief Executive Officer, 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
• Mike Matson, Partner & Associate Director, Low Carbon Solutions Global Lead of Geothermal, BCG
• Ken Medlock, Senior Director of the Center for Energy Studies, Rice University
• Taylor Moot, Senior Innovation Technology Consultant, Xcel Energy
• Chris Mudd, Managing Partner, Chiron Financial 
• Mike O'Connor, Director, Western States Geothermal Consortium Deputy Director, Energy Programs, Center for Public Enterprise
• Marcus Oesterberg, Chief Operating Officer, Ignis Energy
• Tim Ong, Partner, Worley
• Antonio Montero Perez, Executive Director Sustainability & Low Carbon Transition Advisory USA, BBVA
• Florent Rousset, Geothermal Vice President, New Energies, Baker Hughes
• Kerry Sandhu, Director North America, Ad Terra
• Thomas Shattuck, Attorney, Clifford Chance US LLP
• Jonathan Sisto, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Energy Transition, RBC
• Brian Smith, Director, Strategy, Baker Hughes
• Alix Steel, Principal, DrivePath Advisors
• Justin Treat, Senior Vice President, Oil & Gas, CAC Specialty
• Nick Williams, Managing Director & Head of Infrastructure, Americas, EIG Partners 
• Stephanie Wisner, Managing Director, Global Banking & Markets Energy Technology Investment, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
• Elizabeth Wolfe, Sr. Consultant, Energy Dominance Financing, DOE
• Julia Wright, Board Chair, Hephae
• Nortey Yeboah, Principal Engineer, Southern Company

Additional speaker announcements forthcoming!

Learn more about our confirmed speakers! 

Sponsoring the 2026 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

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSOR PROSPECTUS

See Full Agenda Here

Key sessions for 2025 include:

• Fervo Energy fireside chat on scaling to their first ever commercial scale plant and their specialization with Enhanced Geothermal Systems
• Ormat Technologies presenting why it's important the geothermal industry has a unified message to people outside the industry to drive future growth in the industry
• Texas Railroad Commission will be updating the industry on geothermal regulation within Texas and how to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape

Norris Conference Centers - Houston City Centre

816 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 210, Houston, Texas 77024, USA

DIRECTIONS 

If you're interested in participating in 2025—whether as a speaker, exhibitor, sponsor, or attendee—get in touch with Joseph Watson, Project Manager | Offshore Network  t: +44 (0) 20 3409 5720 e: joseph@offsnet.com |w: www.offsnet.com

This presentation will draw on research Dr. Schultz and his colleagues recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature in January 2025. This research uses state-of-the-art geophysical methods to improve our understanding of geothermal and volcanic activity.  

Dr. Schultz will highlight three groundbreaking surveys:  

1. Southern Washington Cascades – A high-resolution MT study helped explain why major volcanoes like Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens sit where they do, even when some are unexpectedly off the main volcanic arc.  

2. Newberry Volcano, Oregon – A key site for geothermal research, Newberry’s subsurface was mapped using MT, gravity, and seismic data. The study identified the composition of the underground magma body and uncovered a potential geothermal resource on the volcano’s southern flank.  

3. Yellowstone Caldera – A new MT survey combined with advanced modeling has refined estimates of how much molten rock lies beneath Yellowstone, improving our understanding of the famous supervolcano’s activity.

By sharpening our view of the Earth’s interior, these studies challenge previous assessments used to predict geothermal potential—and help refine future exploration strategies for clean energy development."

Thank you for taking the time to register for this event. 

REGISTER HERE