Today, Geothermal Rising (GR) announces the acquisition of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) as an affiliate of the GR family. Going forward, CanGEA will be known as Geothermal Rising Canada! The Boards of both organizations unanimously approved the transaction and 100% of CanGEA's members authorized the affiliation. We are all thrilled to bring both organizations under common management to advance GR's important mission to unify the geothermal industry, promote all geothermal technologies and applications, and ultimately to use the Earth to save the Earth.

Geothermal Rising Canada will carry on the pivotal work of CanGEA. "I’m most proud of how we provided opportunities to the next generation of energy workers, often in support of their goals to transition to green energy. We empowered dozens of youth and underrepresented groups via employment and mentorship at CanGEA," stated former CanGEA Managing Director and Chair Alison Thompson.
 
CanGEA has successfully influenced and changed federal and provincial laws and regulations for nearly 2 decades. CanGEA has had a mission to empower the geothermal community and promote geothermal technology, same as Geothermal Rising. We are thrilled to announce that in 2025, CanGEA is becoming Geothermal Rising Canada!

“We are grateful for the dedication and impact CanGEA has made with remarkable support from volunteers, not least of which are the organization’s Board members: Alison Thompson, Brian Toohey, and Donovan Nielsen,” said Dr. Bryant Jones, Executive Director of GR. "With GR assuming control of Geothermal Rising Canada (formerly CanGEA), we can leverage resources to better and more loudly amplify the research conducted by governments, pilot projects carried out by universities, and new developments and technologies advanced by industry."

The momentum is building for the geothermal industry in Canada. The federal and provincial governments are taking notice, the World Geothermal Congress will be held in Canada in 2026, and Canadian geothermal companies are making headlines in Canada and around the globe.
 
"Geothermal energy is gaining significant momentum worldwide, with over $47 billion invested in 2023 and supporting 140,000 jobs globally. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to unite efforts and foster collaboration across the entire geothermal value chain in both Canada and the United States to build on this momentum. I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to leverage the expertise, resources, and influence of Geothermal Rising to enhance and scale the impactful policy and regulatory work that CanGEA has championed for the past two decades in Canada,” said Jeanine Vany, GR Board member and Executive Vice President and co-founder of Eavor Technologies.

“Geothermal Rising has effectively enhanced the visibility of geothermal heat and power technologies across the United States. The collaboration between Geothermal Rising and CanGEA will enable this important work to extend into Canada,” stated Emily Smejkal, a Science Fellow at the Cascade Institute and Board member of Geothermal Canada. “Although Canada’s geothermal resources are well-documented scientifically, their utilization has been limited. Geothermal Rising’s expertise in promoting geothermal energy in the United States will be invaluable in developing a robust industry in Canada. The establishment of Geothermal Rising Canada marks an exciting advancement for the geothermal sector.”

Through this merger, Geothermal Rising will organize knowledge sharing opportunities in Canada, empower Indigenous voices through the Indigenous Geothermal Symposium, expand the Regional Interest Group (RIG) initiative, familiarize external audiences about geothermal energy (such as the media, investors, and policymakers), and support the work of the International Geothermal Association and Geothermal Canada to host a successful WGC 2026 in Calgary!  
 
“Geothermal energy development is a North American opportunity.  It makes a lot of sense to have one body, Geothermal Rising, as the voice to represent an industry looking to grow its footprint,” said Lisa Mueller, GR Board member-elect, and CEO of FutEra Energy, the first geothermal developer in Canada to have electrons on the grid.
 
The entire Geothermal Rising staff and Board looks forward to amplifying the exciting momentum of geothermal energy in Canada.

Membership Information

Information about the Canada Policy Council

We’re excited to welcome Caity Smith (of Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals) as the new Chair of the Geothermal Rising Policy Council (GRPC)! Caity’s strategic leadership and passion for geothermal energy will be invaluable as she helps guide the Council into a promising future.

At the same time, we want to express our gratitude to Sarah Jewett (of Fervo Energy), whose leadership over the past two years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Sarah’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the geothermal community.

During her tenure, Sarah organized impactful events like the first Fervo Energy Tech Day in 2023, which brought Federal officials together to highlight the importance of geothermal energy development. She also spearheaded the Cape Station groundbreaking event, fostering bipartisan support for geothermal and earning recognition from the Department of the Interior as a model of public-private collaboration on clean energy.

Sarah’s efforts on Capitol Hill were equally remarkable. Her testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee in October 2023 was instrumental in advancing key legislation, including the Expanding Geothermal Energy on Federal Lands Act (H.R. 6474), the Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act (H.R. 7422), and the Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act (H.R. 7370). She also rallied the geothermal community in support of the Energy Permitting Reform Act, ensuring its momentum in the Senate. Throughout her leadership, Sarah championed geothermal energy in Federal appropriations, helping secure critical support for the industry.

Now, as Caity steps into this role, we’re confident she will build on Sarah’s incredible foundation. In her role as Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc., Caity has worked with government leaders and legislators to shape impactful policy while advancing geothermal technologies. Her dedication to the field is evident in her work with the GRPC and the Women in Geothermal (WING) US chapter.

Caity’s vision and dedication will undoubtedly propel the GRPC forward, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead under her leadership. Please join us in celebrating Sarah Jewett’s outstanding contributions and welcoming Caity Smith as she takes the helm.

The results of Geothermal Rising’s’ workshop, facilitated by BiaTech Corporation: “Explore Geothermal Power Digital Solutions to Increase Operational Productivity and Longevity,” offer great insight into the current state of geothermal power generation, operational considerations, and critical areas in which data can be applied to increase productivity and longevity of the power plant. By using tools such as AI, machine learning, and digital twins, improved operational decisions can extend geothermal plant life, reduce costs, and improve performance.

We explored factors that may reduce the life of the reservoir, plant, or infrastructure and shared ways to extend life and mapped it into a framework for engineers and data scientists alike, streamlining decision making processes.

So how was it done? And what are the critical areas for improvement? Let’s explore.

First, we conducted an exercise to understand perceptions around digital tools and what the outlook for the future is. The consistent themes unearthed through this exercise were that presently, perceptions around data and digital tools are enigmatic, but the vision for the future is optimistic. Two case studies were also presented and discussed to identify and investigate root causes of problems associated with aging plants and facilities, and to prime participants for further discussion.

Then, we broke into group exercises to understand operational decisions from daily, cyclic, and long-term strategies, what data is used to make those decisions, and the systems utilized. The groups analyzed decisions from the perspective of plant operations, engineering, and leadership. By devoting time to analyzing day-to-day challenges, engineers were able to brainstorm fresh ideas and prioritize goals in making data driven decisions.

Following the group exercise was a brainstorming session in which participants used BiaTech’s Geothermal Issue Tree Analysis to create a framework that evaluated plant performance. The results of this analysis enumerated factors affecting functioning, including operational costs, capital expenses, maintenance, regulations, and market volatility, among many others. This led to ascertaining specific areas in which digital solutions can be applied for optimal performance.

The workshop identified five areas of high importance that can leverage digital solutions:

• Using AI digital reality to map geothermal plants for operational optimization
• Using data to improve dashboards of plant performance, steamfields, and reservoirs
• Using AI models for historical analysis and measurement of seismicity
• Identifying areas of high risk, including pipeline conditions like corrosion
• Monitoring support for operator walk and thermal trending via drone computer vision
• Explore advanced sensor retrofit for reservoir and well monitoring
• Assess the health of current systems and options to integrate digital solutions

The world is undergoing a digital revolution, but many companies are ill equipped to benefit from the transformation, missing the eight core principles of digital success. Data-driven organizations, especially asset-heavy companies, are 19 times more likely to be profitable and sustainable. Companies that invest in machine learning and AI can increase their revenues by 38%. Clearly, there is potential for geothermal companies to leverage AI to increase productivity and extend asset life.

The team concluded that the value for geothermal companies deploying digital solutions include:

• Lower Operations & Maintenance Costs
• Increase efficiency & output
• Increase life of plant and assets
• Decrease safety and health incidents on-site
• Increase the reservoir health

For geothermal companies, the problem is not the existence of data; it is the challenge to make data available quickly, and improve the quality of the data. High volumes of data currently exist in the geothermal industry, which makes it a prime candidate for renovation using AI and machine learning.

Through BiaTech’s data maturity assessments and prioritization matrix, we prioritized the digital solutions that would have the highest impact with the lowest degree of difficulty of implementation. A key take-away from this workshop is how many of the key pain points for geothermal operators can be positively impacted by relatively simple digital solutions! 

This summary only scratches the surface of what was accomplished in the workshop. If you’d like more information about how digital solutions can transform and empower your business, attend the second offering of this workshop in Reno on April 16th!

Special thanks to Calpine for hosting, and to BiaTech for facilitating this workshop! For more information, contact info@BiaTech.com.

Geothermal Rising, the global nonprofit association that champions geothermal energy and those who make it possible, announces the results of the 2023 Board of Directors Election. Among the Board are ten women and five men that represent the most diversity of any board in the organization's history in terms of gender, racial, and industry diversity. We look forward to the new leadership and for each Director to bring their own unique skills and expertise to further strengthen the geothermal community.

The following new members have been elected to serve:

Jay Egg, President of Egg Geo, LLC, Direct Use Seat

Cindy Demichel, Ceo and Co-Founder of Celsius Energy, Heat Pump Seat

Robin Zuza, Director of Global Exploration at Ormat Technologies, Inc., At Large Seat

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season -- and we look forward to 2024 and the future of Geothermal Rising!

“My strong belief that the know-how, technology and mindset of the energy industry are key to accelerate the energy transition has driven me to found Celsius Energy. The signature of my leadership is the relentless outreach to the entire ecosystem, from policymakers to end-users, bringing the awareness of geoenergy to the highest levels of society in France – and now applying the lessons learned worldwide, with our first large GSHP project under way in Massachusetts.”

“Celsius Energy’s team in the US is strongly linked to SLB’s roots as an energy technology company on one side, and to the wide ecosystem of the building heating and cooling industry on the other. If elected, I will bring these two facets to the GRC board: the strong support of a large industrial group, committed to scaling up all types of geothermal energy in America and beyond, and the enthusiasm and openness of an innovative startup with boots on the ground, where the end users are.”

“For 35 years, I’ve been engaged in the design and application of low-temperature geothermal heating and cooling systems. Serving on the Geothermal Rising board of directors for the last two years has been a remarkable opportunity to give back to the industry and to bring the industry together – from hot geothermal reservoirs to low temperature geothermal exchange. Our vision is for the public to see geothermal as the solution to providing baseload electricity, domestic hot water, & air conditioning and heating of their home and buildings.”

“My desire is to see the geothermal industry united into a cooperative of organizations that are united in the public message of geothermal as a solution to baseload electrical and thermal energy. I have provided years of service in writing building codes, as well as curriculum for the geothermal heat pump industry. Working with Geothermal Rising, we have developed the geothermal heat pump page on the Geothermal Rising website.  I will continue these efforts, using the opportunities and influence that come with being on the Board of Directors for Geothermal Rising toward integration the geothermal organization with Geothermal Rising, providing a unification of the geothermal industry.”

“My passion lies in advancing geothermal energy through innovated exploration strategies, technical excellence, and pushing the limits of technology to increase geothermal developments globally. I work with Ormat Technologies, a leader in the industry, where I've witnessed the transformative power of innovation through partnerships with academic and government institutions. I am committed to fostering collaboration with industry partners, academic institution, government agencies, and external industries such as mining to elevate the geothermal sector. I believe we will accelerate geothermal and the positive impacts it brings by learning from each other and standing together.”

As a leader in one of the largest geothermal developers globally, I bring a track record of success in bringing online new megawatts and contributing to the growth in baseload renewable energy. My experience as an operator/developer working in multiple markets globally will enhance the board's ability to support the industry. I am honored at the prospect of helping Geothermal Rising grow and become more efficient and influential, both in conventional developments and emerging geothermal technologies.”

The Geothermal Rising Student Chapter at the University of North Dakota (UND) hosted an outreach event during the UND Welcome Weekend, on August 20, 2023, to raise awareness about geothermal energy, a renewable and sustainable source of heat and power. In collaboration with the Geothermal Rising Student Committee, the event aimed at bridging the knowledge gap and highlighting the crucial role of renewable resources in tackling climate change.

Approximately 50 students attended the event, engaging in various activities designed to provide a comprehensive "Geothermal 101" experience. One of the event's highlights was a series of poster presentations held around the Geology and Geological Engineering Department. These informative and engaging displays served as a visual guide to geothermal energy, illustrating its core principles, environmental benefits, and potential applications. What left a profound impression on the organizers was the considerable knowledge gap among attendees regarding geothermal energy and its manifold benefits. Geothermal energy, often overshadowed by more prevalent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, proved to be an underrepresented resource with gigantic potential.

The significance of this outreach initiative lay in its capacity to not only demonstrate the significant potential of geothermal energy in curtailing greenhouse gas emissions, but also in accentuating the role of student-led entities, exemplified by the Geothermal Rising chapter, as advocates for sustainable solutions. The event's resounding success underscored the vital role of education and outreach in propelling society toward a greener and more sustainable future. Moreover, the UND student chapter of Geothermal Rising is gearing up to organize another outreach activity in the upcoming months, further solidifying their commitment to educating the campus community and promoting the importance of sustainable energy sources. By continuing these initiatives, the Geothermal Rising chapter at UND is actively contributing to the university's mission of fostering environmentally conscious citizens and addressing the pressing energy challenges of our time.

The first issue of the returning Bulletin is complete and physical copies will be sent out in the coming weeks to our U.S. resident members! A digital copy is available in the GR library for those who are outside the distribution range. You can access it here.

For those newer to the community, the Bulletin was a regular publication distributed to GR members that was halted as an in-print publication in 2018 and ceased altogether in 2020. We are excited to be bringing this membership perk back to you!

Some of the highlights of this issue are:

• A recap of the inaugural Geothermal Day on Capitol Hill. Hosted by Geothermal Rising and consortium of partner organizations, the event was a smashing success that brought together 130 people from over five dozen companies and organizations and involved 60 meetings with congressional offices from across the country. 
• A look at Cornell University's Climate Action Plan and an update on the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO).
• An update on Geothermal Rising's partnership with The Discover Museum in creating a geothermal-themed museum exhibit that will be unveiled at the 2023 Geothermal Rising Conference (GRC).
• An introduction to Geothermal Rising's new executive director, Bryant Jones. Get to know Bryant and his vision for where the organization and industry are headed.
• Much, much more!

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this happen!

The Western Governors' Association, Chaired by Colorado Governor Polis, has spearheaded an initiative focused on geothermal technologies, culminating in the publication of the report: The Heat Beneath Our Feet. This report recognizes the vast potential of geothermal in the West, both for power generation and heat and cooling. This initiative involved rigorous stakeholder engagement which identified barriers to rapid geothermal expansion and deployment, and the report outlines vital policy recommendations to address these.  

Bryant Jones, Executive Director of Geothermal Rising comments: “decarbonizing residential and commercial buildings by using geothermal heating and cooling systems and geothermal heat pumps will significantly reduce carbon, save consumers money, create jobs, and improve public health. Hydrogen, direct air capture, lithium and critical mineral recovery, securing a stable and decarbonized electric grid, efficient and carbon-free air conditioning, and the push to electrify everything will only succeed with geothermal. It is exciting to see that Governor Polis and the WGA realize this fact.”

One vital recommendation in the WGA report is risk mitigation programs for geothermal well drilling and exploration. The United States created energy risk mitigation programs after the oil crises in the 1970s which resulted in significant growth for geothermal across the United States in the 1980s. The geothermal industry needs these programs restarted. Additionally, the WGA report recognizes the need for geothermal to be eligible for the same tax credits as other energy technologies such as deducting intangible drilling costs, defined as costs related to drilling that have no salvageable value, from the income tax of geothermal companies.

The WGA report also highlights the need for the geothermal permitting process to be streamlined on federal lands. Geothermal has the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint and the smallest environmental impact of all renewable energy technologies yet has more onerous federal permitting requirements even than that of oil and gas development. The WGA report recognizes this and recommends increasing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staffing capacity to process geothermal permits, streamlining geothermal leasing, and granting a geothermal-specific categorical exclusion under NEPA for geothermal exploratory drilling on federal lands.

Demonstration and deployment funding is also recognized by the WGA report. Geothermal technologies are proven and have been cooling homes, heating schools, and generating electricity for decades in the United States. The geothermal industry needs deployment funding to commercialize and scale proven technology as well as demonstration funds to test new innovations.

About Geothermal Rising: Geothermal Rising (GR) is the largest and oldest geothermal non-profit organization in the world, founded in 1972. GR builds community and empowers the geothermal industry by aligning all geothermal heat source, direct use and power production applications. GR is the leading professional development and educational outreach resource for the geothermal industry. Find out more or join today:    https://www.geothermal.org/ 

Washington, DC, June 5-6, 2023 —  Geothermal Rising, the leading energy non-profit organization, launches its inaugural Geothermal Capitol Hill Day, along with co-hosts HEET, Project InnerSpace and the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance, on June 5-6, 2023 at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel, including Hill meetings with over 50 congressional offices from Vermont to Texas to California. This event reaches lawmakers in our nation’s capital to support geothermal energy policies and increase the familiarization of geothermal technologies that allow us to “Use the Earth to Save the Earth." Geothermal is a technology ready for primetime today and offers the United States clean and renewable energy options anywhere and everywhere.

“The potential of geothermal in the United States, and globally, is massive. As an industry, we are aware of this and have been yelling it from any rooftop we can find, however we also need to make sure we have pointed conversations with those making future renewable energy goals and setting the stage for societal resilience,” urges Kelly Blake, President of Geothermal Rising.

Through Geothermal Capitol Hill Day, key leaders and C-level executives from government agencies, think tanks, congressional offices, environmental and climate NGOs, universities, the media, and investors will hear and learn directly from the geothermal industry. The geothermal community has aligned to participate in curated plenary sessions, presentations, and networking events focused on sharing knowledge and promoting the needs of the geothermal industry to policymakers and decision makers in Washington, DC. Geothermal topics of discussion include:

• The DOE and Geothermal Energy,
• Why Climate and Environmental NGOs Support Geothermal,
• Needed Manufacturing & Workforce Development,
• Leveraging Existing Skills and Knowledge of the Oil and Gas Workforce, and
• Environmental Justice, Equity, and Community Engagement.

Geothermal Rising’s message of “Using the Earth to Save the Earth” benefits local communities and businesses to provide unlimited clean, reliable, renewable power that creates jobs and improves quality of life. Hill Day participants will learn how to leverage the naturally abundant geothermal energy source that’s safe, clean, and reliable and stable.

“The geothermal industry has the ability and passion to address the climate crisis, leverage the existing skills and knowledge of hydrocarbon workforce, and do so in a just and equitable way. Part of our mission at Geothermal Rising is to familiarize the public, the media, policy makers, think tanks, climate and environmental NGOs, students, and textbook publishers about geothermal technologies and applications,” said Bryant Jones, PhD, Executive Director of Geothermal Rising.

“Geothermal can decarbonize the built environment with heating and cooling technologies, produce green hydrogen, and generate clean and renewable electricity. This industry has the solutions, passion, and technical expertise to make this happen.”

Geothermal Hill Day sponsors are Calpine, Clean Air Task Force, ClearPath, Cryq Energy, Halliburton, Nabors, SLB, and Ormat.

Organization: Geothermal Rising
Position Title: Government Affairs Policy Manager
Location: Remote

Organization Overview
Geothermal Rising (GR) is the largest and oldest geothermal membership organization in the world, founded in 1972. GR serves to build community and empower the geothermal industry by aligning all geothermal technologies and applications including geothermal ground source heat pumps, geothermal direct use applications, and geothermal power production. GR is a nonprofit educational association, community organizer, and research organization. GR actively seeks to amplify its role as a primary professional and educational association for the geothermal community and serve as a focal point for continuing professional development for its members and external audiences through its outreach, education, information transfer and education services. Geothermal Rising is a 501(c)(3) with a companion 501(c)(4) structure.

https://www.geothermal.org/

GR team members believe in the power of community and seek to build, empower, and sustain the
geothermal community.

Job Summary
GR’s Government Affairs Policy Manager will focus on project management and lead policy development of the geothermal industry supported by the vision of the GR Policy Committee. The Government Affairs Policy Manager will report to the GR Executive Director and will help advise the Executive Director, Chair of the GR Policy Committee, and chairs of the various subcommittees (e.g., appropriations, permitting, tax, regulatory, state policy, innovation) on key federal and state policy initiatives. The GA manager will develop and execute strategies to help the team run at the highest operational efficiencies. This person will interact with the broader GR team and geothermal industry to support the mission.
● Direct and lead meetings with members of the GR Policy Committee, coordinate action items and follow up across the entire GR organization. Track and maintain that all action items are executed.
● Coordinate and execute GR’s engagement in the Congressional Appropriations process. This will include composing formal communications to congressional staff including correspondence, meetings, and memos.
● Logistically set up, strategize on engagement, and participate in educational events for congressional offices and staff and generate memos and briefs for GR and GR Policy Committee members team ahead of the events.
● Amplify the GR Policy Committee by creating presentations materials, background briefs, thank you letters, memos and other written communications.
● Track and analyze congressional hearings, briefings and other relevant events and lead coordination with the GR Policy Committee. Update the team with relevant notes, questions, etc.
● Be the main point of project management and coordination for the GR Policy Committee making sure all items are logistically sound- for example managing ensuring that our entire target audience is included in upcoming events.
● Prepare the agenda for the monthly GR Policy Committee meetings and draft the quarterly report on GR Policy Committee activities to the GR Board.
● Enable the GR Executive Director, GR Policy Committee Chair and subcommittees to maintain organization and follow through on policy impacting the geothermal industry.
● Build, update, and track geothermal energy projects by congressional districts and states.
● Manage the submission of lobbying disclosures and other compliance reporting as needed.
● Monitor internal editorial calendar to flag relevant content for GR to share with Congress, state governments, and other external stakeholders for engagement on key priorities. Coordinate lists and content for distribution to various relevant audiences.
● Support GR marketing and community outreach efforts in execution for upcoming events hosted and sponsored by GR or GR members, including compiling guest lists, draft invitations, checking guests in/out, setting-up, flagging compliance or related ethics items, etc.
● Support GR team members at conferences and events
● Moderate travel is expected

Preferred Qualifications

● Six plus years of blended experience in legislative processes and energy policy; familiarity with legislative and/or grassroots advocacy; familiarity with membership organizations.
● Experience in government relations, public policy, federal agency, Capitol Hill, clean and renewable energy.
● Excellent communicator, including strong writing skills.
● Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google equivalents.
● Ability and willingness to work nontraditional hours based on events.
● A professional and personal commitment to the mission of Geothermal Rising.
● Bachelor’s degree

Capabilities

● Service Focus – Place emphasis on creating team and guest loyalty by continually enhancing the office experience. Capacity to identify and understand the needs of the team, manage expectations, and prioritize meeting and exceeding those needs.
● Accountability – Take responsibility for your own performance and accept full ownership of issues, problems, and opportunities, regardless of the source.
● Composure and Resiliency – Ability to deal effectively with pressure, maintain focus and intensity, and remain optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Ability and propensity to recover quickly from setbacks, rejections, and conflicts and to maintain self control in the face of challenges.
● Professionalism – Set high standards and serve as role models for work performance, ethical conduct, and respect for others. Consistently conduct yourself in a manner that is aligned with Geothermal Rising values and within the guidelines and best practices of office management.
● Time Management – Focus on completing all work tasks in a timely manner, while remaining responsive enough to react to competing demands and shifting priorities. Able to manage multiple responsibilities while being organized, keeping on top of important time sensitive tasks, and performing all work accurately.
● Self-starter – Anticipate and aim to proactively address hurdles. Seek to identify opportunities for GR Policy Committee engagement and be proactive to avoid a reactive work culture.
● Communicating – Provide the information required by others in a concise, direct, and unambiguous way.

Values

● Teamwork: Be fun, fast, collaborative, and supportive.
● Dedication: Be here because you want to change the world.
● Ownership: Think and act like an owner.
● Adaptability: Be humble and agile.
● Integrity: Believe individual and organizational credibility is everything.
● Curiosity: Voracious learner eager to engage with the substantive details of our work.

Compensation & Benefits

● Competitive salary commensurate with experience and location ($115,000 to $125,000)
● Attend GR conferences and events
● Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
● Employer covers 100% of employee insurance premiums
● Health savings account for medical expenses
● Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay you contribute
● No vacation policy - take what you need whenever workflow allows
● Computer and Zoom VOIP phone
● Remote work environment
● Twelve paid holidays (e.g., Day after Thanksgiving, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Memorial Day)

Closing Date of Position: Open Until Filled

Please send resume and cover letter to Anita Collins at anita@geothermal.org.

At Geothermal Rising, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. Community and service underscore our values as we seek to equitably and justly transition to a clean energy economy. Geothermal Rising is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Reno, Nevada and Houston, Texas (February 14, 2023) — GR, Geothermal Rising, is pleased to announce our next Executive Director. Coming from a professional background that includes academia, government, civil society, and business, Bryant Jones brings years of experience and leadership to help the geothermal industry welcome and advance our next chapter.

GR is a community that advocates for the growth and deployment of geothermal energy. The non-profit is a renewable energy think tank designed to educate and inform audiences about the value and benefits of geothermal energy for heating and cooling as well as electricity generation. Founded in 1972, GR now supports a community of 7,000 people and dozens of member companies operating in the geothermal industry.

GR champions all geothermal energy technologies and applications such as thermal energy networks, hydrothermal systems, geothermal heat pumps, supercritical systems, engineered geothermal systems, closed-loop systems, and many more. Geothermal technologies are clean, renewable, transition the existing oil and gas workforce into the clean energy economy, and can decarbonize economic sectors such as agriculture, commercial and residential buildings, the electrical grid, manufacturing, and industrial heat with zero-carbon heating, cooling, and electricity generation.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Bryant Jones as the incoming Executive Director of Geothermal Rising.  Bryant has the vision, experience, and capabilities to take this organization to new heights as we re-imagine geothermal advocacy in the United States and position geothermal as a major player in the quest to decarbonize heating, cooling and electricity sectors.  His background in policy and the private equity space, combined with his open mind, and inclusive attitude, make him the ideal candidate to lead our organization into the future,” said Jeanine Vany, Energy Advocate Director on the GR Board of Directors and Executive Vice President at Eavor Technologies.

Bryant recently co-authored a policy white paper on Empowering the Geothermal Earthshot through the Federation of American Scientists with Peter Tait and co-authored and co-edited the landmark report published by Project InnerSpace and the University of Texas at Austin on the Future of Geothermal in Texas with Jamie Beard. 

“The selection of Bryant to lead Geothermal Rising in this period of fast change and transition in the geothermal industry speaks to his vision for the role of geothermal in our energy mix in the coming decades. It's time to go big or go home for geothermal, and cohesive partnerships across industry are critical for geothermal to scale. I look forward to working with Bryant in the coming months to build on and realize the vision of geothermal anywhere,” said Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace.

Bryant Jones is a policy and energy scholar who has spent the past five years researching at the nexus of policy studies, science and technology studies, and energy transition studies. His research at Boise State University explores how energy advocacy coalitions frame narratives and establish field rules and boundaries as they seek to gain attention and be placed on policy agendas. Bryant has 15 years of policy experience at federal, state, and local levels of government. He served in roles at the White House Office of Management, U.S. Department of State, on Capitol Hill, and is a National Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project. 

“Geothermal can decarbonize industry, manufacturing, commercial and residential buildings, agriculture, and the electric grid. It is the solution policymakers, investors, and the public are searching for to solve the climate crisis. I look forward to building on the successes of this proven technology and growing the geothermal community as we use the Earth to save the Earth,” said Bryant Jones.

Bryant resides in Boise, Idaho with his spouse and three children. He is passionate about skiing, fly fishing, and the clean energy transformation.

You may reach Bryant at bryant@geothermal.org.