Full Steam Ahead: Social Acceptance of Geothermal Systems in the United States

Description
January 16, 10:00-11:00 am (Pacific)
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Topics

Please join GR Earth Energy Fellow Carlos Gorraez Meraz as he discusses his recent research into public perceptions and drivers of social acceptance of geothermal energy in the United States.

As the United States accelerates its transition toward a low-carbon energy system, geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as a strategic solution with distinctive advantages. Despite this technical and strategic potential, geothermal deployment across the United States remains limited. This webinar takes a comprehensive look at the perception of geothermal energy in the general public and examines the relative importance of various attributes (affordability, reliability, environmental impact, etc.) of energy sources when discussing them.

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2026 Turkish Geothermal Congress

Description
February 18 - 19, 2026
Location
Ankara, Türkiye
Date
Topics

The 9th GT Turkey Geothermal Congress will be held at the Bilkent Hotel and Conference Center and will host a wide range of national and international speakers, public authorities, and private sector representatives.

We would be honored to welcome you among us at this important event.

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2026 SPE Africa Geothermal Workshop

Description
July 20 - 21, 2026
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
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Topics

SPE Africa Geothermal Workshop 2026, sets to be one of the most impactful gatherings of energy professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders focused on geothermal energy in Africa and beyond. This event will serve as a strategic platform for sharing technical insights, fostering partnerships, and accelerating geothermal innovation on the continent.

As Africa pivots toward sustainable energy futures, geothermal energy stands out as a reliable, clean, and abundant resource, especially in the East African Rift System. This workshop will explore cutting-edge developments in geothermal exploration, drilling technologies, reservoir engineering, energy policy, financing models, and environmental stewardship.

Nairobi isn’t just a destination, it’s the epicenter of geothermal development in Africa. Kenya ranks among the world’s top 10 geothermal energy producers, with over 950 MW of installed capacity and vast untapped potential in the Rift Valley. Home to KenGen and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Nairobi is at the forefront of geothermal research, exploration, and project implementation.

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Hot Springs Association Iceland Industry Field Trip

Description
Sep 15 - 22, 2026
Location
Iceland
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Topics

This industry-focused journey offers a highly curated exploration of Iceland's bathing culture, geothermal innovations, and natural beauty. Traveling from the far north to the far south—with an optional extension—you'll experience remarkable hot springs, majestic waterfalls, an iconic black sand beach, and visits to geothermal operations.

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2026 Illinois Geothermal Conference

Description
March 9–11, 2026
Location
Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino in East Peoria, IL
Date
Topics

Join Illinois’ leading geothermal voices for a forward-looking conference focused on building a clear, credible message and advancing real solutions that grow geothermal across our state.

The 2026 Illinois Geothermal Conference is designed for anyone interested in geothermal, from those installing systems in the field to those shaping policy and planning future communities.  This year’s theme, Power in the Message, is about strengthening how we communicate the value of geothermal in Illinois: educating decision-makers, aligning stakeholders, and equipping the industry with tools to confidently explain benefits, overcome barriers, and accelerate adoption.  You’ll experience a day and a half packed with curated tracks, engaging panels, and powerful keynote presenters—focused on the most pressing issues and most promising opportunities in the geothermal sector.

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Hot Springs Connection Conference

Description
April 27-30, 2026
Location
Calistoga, California
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Topics

Established in 2018, the Hot Springs Connection is the only conference in the United States designed specifically for hot springs owners, operators, general managers, facilities directors, and industry professionals. The purpose of the event is to provide networking opportunities, seminars and workshops for commercial mineral pools, spas and resorts.

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New Mexico Community Engagement and Legislative Day Events

Description
Join Geothermal Rising in Santa Fe for our New Mexico Geothermal Community Engagement and Legislative Day Events, held at the New Mexico Legislature Roundhouse during the 2026 legislative session. These events bring together geothermal developers, researchers, Tribes and Pueblos, co-ops, NGOs, students, and community partners to showcase geothermal’s role in New Mexico’s energy future.
Location
Santa Fe New Mexico
Date

Geothermal Rising is pleased to invite you to join our upcoming New Mexico Geothermal Community Engagement and Legislative Day Events in Santa Fe at the New Mexico Legislature Round House. The main events will be a full day of Tabling in the rotunda on Saturday, February 7th, and a Press Conference from 8-10 AM on Wednesday, February 11th. This legislative engagement is timed to coincide with the 2026 Session, which ends on Feb 20th. 

This event is designed to bring together the New Mexico geothermal community and amplify its voice in the capitol. Attendees will include power developers, service companies, researchers, Tribes and Pueblos, co-ops, NGOs, students, and community partners.

Throughout the events, we will highlight key topics including:

  • State of play in New Mexico: Updates on emerging projects, resource potential, and policy momentum
     
  • Water rights, land use, and general misconceptions: Clear information to support public outreach and community engagement
     
  • Workforce pathways: How geothermal aligns with oil & gas skills and creates new technical and field opportunities
     
  • Information & outreach tools: Sandia’s geothermal model, hands-on demo kits, trivia wheel, and visual maps of New Mexico’s geothermal resources

This will also be an excellent opportunity for geothermal partners to connect, co-coordinate outreach strategies, and demonstrate a strong, unified presence in support of responsible geothermal development across the state.

 

Event Details

Saturday, February 7 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Community Engagement and Legislative Day – Rotunda, Roundhouse

Wednesday, February 11 | 8:00 AM–10:00 AM Geothermal Briefing – Presentations & Announcements

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Let us know you are coming!

Event partners and Collaborators

2026 Geothermal Capitol Hill Day

Description
Join Geothermal Rising and the geothermal community for this opportunity to amplify, inform, and share our story with policymakers, agency staff, think tanks, regulators, Hill staff, researchers, and clean energy and environmental NGOs working on policy in Washington, DC.
Location
April 28-30, 2026 | Washington, DC
Date

Geothermal Capitol Hill Day is where policy meets possibility.

Each year, geothermal experts, engineers, students, and business leaders head to Washington to connect with Congressional leaders and showcase the power and promise of geothermal energy. This high-impact, two-day experience offers direct advocacy opportunities with lawmakers and a firsthand look at the policymaking process.

The impact from Capitol Hill Day is measurable! In 2025, we welcomed more than 50 participants from 31 organizations representing 17 unique sectors within the industry. We met with over 100 congressional offices to highlight the immense potential of geothermal energy—and the smart policy needed to unlock it. Conversations focused on the importance of sustained investment in innovation, protecting vital tax credits, and ensuring geothermal has a strong seat at the table in the clean energy transition.

From cutting-edge startups to established developers, the delegation showcased the breadth and strength of the U.S. geothermal industry. Together, we're advancing a future where geothermal plays a central role in reliable, affordable, clean energy nationwide

 

Capitol Hill Day Information

Agenda

Hill Appointment Information

Hill Appointment Resources

Hotel & Travel

Location

Registration

Sponsorship

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2026 Hill Day Sponsors
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2025 Geothermal Capitol Hill Day
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2025 Geothermal Capitol Hill Day