The goals of the conference are to bring together engineers, scientists and managers involved in geothermal reservoir studies and developments; provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on the exploration, development and use of geothermal resources; and to enable prompt and open reporting of progress. We strongly encourage all scientists and engineers involved in geothermal reservoir technology to attend the workshop.
Papers will be presented on recent research relating to geothermal reservoirs including:
For more than 35 years, Coso Operating Company has operated 24/7, generating renewable energy day and night. This continuous supply is a game-changer, especially during those peak evening hours when energy demand soars and the sun is no longer shining. The reliable, baseload power that geothermal provides is a low-risk, low-emission energy source that plays a huge role in clean energy.
Here at Coso, we put that non-stop energy into practice not only at the power plant but also by supporting local youth with annual scholarships and our staff with a robust training program. We take immense pride in building a skilled workforce for the future.
Our isolated location has molded us into a tight-knit family. For any new geothermal project, a huge takeaway is to create training programs, whether it be in-house training, partnering with the community college, or a nearby technical school. This ensures you have a steady pipeline of skilled workers—the welders, electricians, and mechanics you need to run a successful operation. It's a win-win: the community gets high-paying, long-term careers, and the plant gets a dedicated, well-trained staff.
Next is to partner with the local community. Our staff members are mentors, coaches, and leaders in the community. Our staff is active on local boards, coordinates highly in-depth tours of the plant, leads local chambers, and, simply put, are good neighbors.
When our community needs something, we show up. Whether it's new turf for a baseball field, food for backpacks, or a new scoreboard, we're there to help. After COVID hit and one of the local theaters was struggling, we came up with an idea: we'd buy enough tickets to keep them afloat and have local businesses give them away with purchases over $50. This not only brought much-needed revenue to local shops but also brought people together back in the theater once restrictions had been lifted. It was a huge lift for our economy and community.
Community engagement is about more than just having an open-door policy; it's about building a shared future. Our parent company, Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure, shares this belief and continues investing in the next generation. Ultimately, the success of geothermal energy isn't just about the technology—it's about the people and the communities we serve.
This blog post was brought to you by the GR Workforce Success Group, as part of an initiative to highlight community outreach success stories in the geothermal community. We are committed to fostering a collaborative community to create a brighter future for Earth and all its inhabitants. If you are interested in supporting Workforce Success and want to get involved - reach out to Amelia Letvin at, amelia@geothermal.org Â
Link to the Workforce Success webpage: https://geothermal.org/our-impact/workforce-success
In the Andean regions of Ecuador, which are bisected by a chain of active volcanoes, geothermal hot springs were and remain sacred spaces. For the Inca and the preceding local cultures, these warm springs were viewed as the “breath of Pachamama” (Mother Earth).
These naturally heated, mineral-rich waters (high in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium) were the foundation of holistic medicine. Communities utilized them for therapeutic bathing and performing cleansing rituals (limpias), seeing healing as a blend of physical and spiritual restoration. The water was considered so valuable that these sites were often incorporated into elite infrastructure. Historical accounts notably mention that Inca Emperor Atahualpa was actually resting in hot springs when he first received news of the Spanish arrival, highlighting their importance as places of both royal retreat and strategic significance. This tradition demonstrates an indigenous model of direct-use geothermal heating for community and well-being.
In the societies of Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztec during the Postclassic Period (c. 1300–1521 CE), the interaction with geothermal power was more ritualized. This came in the form of the Temazcal (Nahuatl: temazcalli, "House of Heat").
The temazcal is a dome-shaped stone or mud structure designed to represent the womb of the Earth. It uses heat and steam generated by pouring water over blazing hot volcanic rocks brought in from an external fire. This "water vapor thermal therapy" was not for casual relaxation; it was a ritual of profound societal importance:
The contrast between the Andean preference for direct, natural soaking and the Mesoamerican creation of an enclosed, symbolic steam chamber underscores the diversity and ingenuity within the ancient cultures that form Hispanic Heritage. Both traditions, however, shared a fundamental understanding that the Earth’s inner heat was a powerful, reliable resource to be utilized respectfully.
As we look toward a future of sustainable energy, this heritage provides an invaluable lesson: sustainable practice is intrinsically linked to cultural reverence. By appreciating the engineering behind the Aztec steam lodge and the healing wisdom of the Andean springs, we honor the ancestral connection to the planet. Recognizing these enduring indigenous contributions enriches our perspective on sustainability, demonstrating that the efficient, respectful utilization of the Earth's energy is not a modern invention, but a profound and valuable legacy of the Hispanic cultures we celebrate today.
This blog post is presented by the GR Workforce Success Group as part of our initiative to highlight the multifaceted cultural components of geothermal. Our mission is to build a collaborative community that advances a brighter future for our planet and all who call it home.
If you’d like to support Workforce Success or get involved, please contact Amelia Letvin at amelia@geothermal.org.Â
Workforce Success webpage: https://geothermal.org/our-impact/workforce-success
In 2024, we hosted our first Thermal Energy Networks Symposium. Since then, this emerging clean-energy solution has accelerated nationwide:
It’s clear: Progress is moving fast, and we need to work together to succeed. Our third Thermal Energy Network Symposium will bring together all stakeholders necessary to share best practices, dialogue across industries, and learn how we can all partner for opportunities and manage challenges in this exciting industry
Why Baltimore, Maryland?
Maryland is a trailblazer for TENs! In 2024, the state passed HB0397, the Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat (WARMTH) Act. The Act allows gas, electric and water utilities to own thermal energy networks, while requiring gas companies with more than 75,000 customers to propose pilot projects. The WARMTH Act also includes very strong provisions for labor and job creation among other critical requirements. Strong grassroots organizing support means that local communities are engaged on TENs and ready to work toward installing these systems in the areas of greatest opportunity and need.
What is a Thermal Energy Network?
Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are neighborhood-scale systems that provide efficient, climate-friendly heating and cooling through shared water-filled pipes. They move heat in and out of buildings using sources like lakes, wastewater, or the steady temperature of the earth. Geothermal networks, a type of TEN, use shallow boreholes to tap into underground energy, even storing excess heat like a “thermal battery.” By replacing gas pipelines and easing grid strain, TENs bring clean, reliable, and equitable energy to entire communities.
Why Thermal Energy Networks? Implementation of Thermal Energy Networks provide an array of benefits, including but not limited to:Â
Participants in the 2026 Thermal Energy Networks Symposium will gain critical insights from educational sessions and panels provided by leading industry experts focusing on the financing, design, implementation and installation of TENs systems.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these cutting-edge solutions, collaborate with your peers and make new contacts to help you move forward with your TENs project! Â
Following the Geothermal Accelerator conference (see details below), join us for a Networking Reception (Hosted by Geothermal Rising Canada in partnership with the Cascade Institute).Â
No reception is complete without great food, drinks, and conversation with fellow geothermal enthusiasts! Geothermal Rising Canada is proud to feature the best of what Ottawa has to offer! Â The reception is open to anyone interested in networking and learning more about the growing geothermal movement in Canada.Â
Reception Details
Reception Location
Reception Registration Information
Geothermal Rising Canada is excited to support the Cascade Institute with their Geothermal Accelerator Conference- September 9th 1:00-5:00pm
Demand for electricity in Canada is projected to increase rapidly, with or without new action towards net zero. As a result, expanding the country’s power system will remain a priority across a wide range of possible futures. Rising geopolitical tensions only underscore the need to enhance energy security as Canada’s net electricity exports continue to fall.
Geothermal power offers a unique opportunity for Canada to do this. It can provide reliable, affordable, and abundant energy. Given Canada’s unique positioning—expertise in oil and gas, substantial geothermal resources, and the co-location of these resources with fossil-dependent grids—we have a significant opportunity to lead with this technology. No other technology is better positioned to advance Canada as a clean and conventional energy superpower.
The Geothermal Accelerator Conference will convene senior leaders from across sectors to explore Canada's geothermal power opportunity. This half-day, high-level workshop will help create a shared knowledge base and produce actionable insights to advance Canada’s geothermal sector.
The Geothermal Accelerator is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. This invitation-only event is hosted by the Cascade Institute.  Please contact Peter Massie at massie@cascadeinstitute.org for more information. Â
