We hope you join us as we host speakers discussing why DEI is important through presentation, data, references and future initiatives. Do you want to know more? Join to learn how to get involved and how Geothermal Rising is leading the way for the Geothermal Industry.
Times for all the zones. 1PM PST / 2PM MST / 3PM CST / 4EST
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?
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.
Held Virtually on Tuesday September 17, 2024 12:00N - 1:00PM MDT (Zoom link to be provided)
Topics:
Speakers:
We are so excited to host the first in-person event. Please remember to register and mark your calendars.
We will be at the Tchin Tchin Bar 39 N Hotel Street, Honolulu (Chinatown)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:00-7:00 PM HST
We are so excited to host the first in-person event. Please remember to register and mark your calendars.
Friday, August 23, 4:00-6:00 PM HST, Temple Bar, 64 Keawe St, Hilo
Central Washington University (CWU) is harnessing geothermal technology to meet our goals of reducing campus-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and becoming a net-zero carbon campus no later than 2050. Construction is currently underway for CWU’s GeoEco Center and North Academic Complex (NAC), which will replace two energy-inefficient academic buildings constructed in the 1970s.
The GeoEco Center will utilize an open-loop ground source heat pump system to provide heating and cooling for a half-million square feet of built infrastructure on campus, including the NAC. The geothermal plant is expected to be in operation by early 2026 and will serve as a catalyst for CWU’s efforts to decarbonize its district energy system over the next 15 years. CWU’s first GeoEco Center, along with the demolition of two aging and energy-inefficient buildings, will lead to a reduction of 33,000 metric tons of carbon emissions over the course of 50 years.
Approximately 60% of CWU’s greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to using natural gas for heating buildings across campus. CWU owns and manages a district energy system (also referred to as a central plant), consisting of three water-cooled chillers and four steam hot water boilers that provide the majority of the heating and cooling for campus buildings. CWU is committed to investing in forward-thinking geothermal technology to effectively decarbonize its heating and cooling infrastructure.
The equipment for the geothermal system will include an injection well, extraction well, a six-pipe heat pump, and a groundwater heat exchanger, which will help ensure there is no groundwater contamination. The groundwater will not be consumed and will only serve as an energy exchanger. The extraction well will pull groundwater from the Ellensburg aquifer (800-1,000 feet below the Earth's surface) and the injection well will reintroduce the groundwater to the aquifer.
The GeoEco Center will also have a solar array and an educational dashboard for students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in learning more about the function and mechanics of the geothermal system. An added benefit is that CWU’s GeoEco Center will serve as a model for other institutions and agencies seeking to decarbonize their district energy systems.
CWU received additional funding from the Washington State Legislature earlier this year to install and construct a second geothermal injection and extraction well, but these funds are contingent upon the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) surviving a potential repeal during the November election. If the CCA is repealed, CWU will lose the funding for a second geothermal plant and experience significant barriers to achieving its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
For more details regarding the mechanics of CWU’s Geo-Eco Center, check out the presentation from Anthony Schoen, Principal, Mechanical Systems at MW Engineers. To read more about CWU’s goals and strategies to decarbonize its campus, please read CWU’s Climate Action Plan, which was completed in early 2024. For questions or additional information, please contact CWU Sustainability Officer Jeff Bousson or Director of Capital Planning and Projects Delano Palmer.
We are thrilled to announce that the 6th Annual Hot Springs Connection Conference will be held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, from May 8th through 10th, 2025!
Since its inaugural event in 2018, the Hot Springs Connection Conference remains the ONLY conference in the U.S. specifically designed for the hot springs industry. This premier event will once again take place in Glenwood Springs, home to three spectacular hot spring destinations, all boasting recent renovations and expansions.
The conference will convene at the beautiful, historic Hotel Colorado, providing an excellent setting for networking and enjoying time together in this scenic mountain town.
Sessions and presentations will be held at the Hotel Colorado. Exhibitors, vendors, suppliers and consultants will be available throughout the entire event to discuss and demonstrate various products and services. Registration is $947-$1197 per person for Hot Springs Association members and $1597 for non-members. For additional information, go to https://hotspringsassociation.com/hot-springs-connection-conference.
Geothermal Rising is pleased to announce the dates and location for the 2026 Geothermal Rising Conference: Sunday, September 20 - Wednesday, September 23 at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
Houston is a hub of geothermal transition activity and a strategic location for GR to continue to host, educate and facilitate conversations to support the transition to geothermal energy solutions. Save-the-date now to be part of the movement at what is sure to be the largest GRC to-date!
The Marriott Marquis Houston blends the best of southern hospitality with sophisticated style. Nestled in downtown Houston, across from the convention center, the Marriott Marquis features panoramic views of the city, world-class amenities and a myriad of dining experiences. The hotel room block will open, along with registration, in Spring of 2026.
