Energy poverty is often described as a problem somewhere else, in poorer countries or in remote communities far from modern infrastructure. In practice, it is much closer and much more common. It appears that anywhere households struggle to afford heating and cooling, public buildings face rising energy bills, and where energy insecurity narrows the choices available to families, schools, clinics, and local businesses.

That human reality matters because access to reliable energy affects more than comfort. It shapes health, educational attainment, workforce participation, and economic stability. When heating and cooling become unaffordable or unpredictable, communities absorb the cost in multiple ways.

Geothermal has a distinctive role in that conversation. Unlike intermittent resources, it can provide stable heat and power around the clock. Egg Geo’s perspective is that this reliability should be understood not only as an engineering achievement, but as a public benefit with direct implications for affordability and resilience.

Framing geothermal this way expands the conversation. The value of geothermal is not limited to megawatts, gradients, or drilling performance. It also lies in its ability to stabilize access to an essential service. Clean, dependable thermal energy supports dignity, health, and continuity in ways that are easy to overlook when the industry focuses only on generation.

One of the most practical ways to translate that idea into the built environment is through thermal energy networks. These systems move thermal energy across buildings and districts, sharing heating and cooling loads in ways that can improve system efficiency and reduce long-term cost.

That matters because heating and cooling still receive less public attention than electricity, even though they represent a major share of energy demand. District-scale geothermal and networked thermal systems offer a way to address this gap directly by serving schools, housing, healthcare facilities, campuses, and commercial buildings with more stable and efficient heating and cooling.

The opportunity is larger than any one technology. In the United States, district geothermal heating remains comparatively limited, while other countries have built much larger thermal systems and achieved far greater average capacity per project. That gap suggests room for growth, especially if the sector can pair proven heat-pump and hydronic approaches with improved design tools, stronger deployment models, and more coordinated policy support.

Egg Geo points to several areas where innovation can help close that gap, including fifth-generation ambient loops, agentic AI design tools, and engineered geothermal systems. The underlying point is not novelty for novelty’s sake. It is that geothermal and thermal infrastructure needs to become easier to design, replicate, and integrate into real communities.

New infrastructure does not materialize because an idea is technically sound. It gets built because trained people know how to design it, install it, commission it, operate it, and maintain it over time.

That makes workforce development central to the geothermal story. If thermal energy networks and next-generation geothermal systems are to expand meaningfully, the sector needs a larger, more skilled labor base that includes drillers, pipefitters, planners, designers, control specialists, utility personnel, and local contractors.

Innovation in geothermal should not be separated from the physical reality of delivery. Technologies such as engineered geothermal systems, advanced heat-pump configurations, and ambient loops may open new opportunities, but they only matter at scale when people are trained to deploy them reliably.

The broader geothermal community already understands part of this challenge. Enhanced geothermal systems, for example, have benefited from knowledge spillover from oil and gas in drilling, well construction, and subsurface engineering. Thermal energy networks may require a similarly intentional effort to build capability across mechanical, civil, utility, and public-sector stakeholders.

No single firm can solve energy poverty, deploy district-scale thermal systems nationally, or establish geothermal as mainstream infrastructure on its own. Progress depends on connected institutions, shared learning, and a stronger ecosystem.

That is where Geothermal Rising and related convenings matter. Events such as the Geothermal Rising Conference and the Thermal Energy Networks Symposium create opportunities for developers, engineers, utilities, policymakers, workforce leaders, and community stakeholders to compare lessons and form deployable partnerships.

This is consistent with Geothermal Rising’s own broader goals around unifying the industry, strengthening community engagement and research, and building the systems needed for long-term growth. The value of those networks is practical. They help move geothermal from isolated pilots and niche demonstrations into repeatable models that can be financed, permitted, built, and maintained.

The ecosystem viewpoint on energy poverty is too large to be addressed with fragmented approaches. It requires alignment between technology providers, local governments, utilities, community advocates, and the workforce that will deliver the projects.

The clean-energy transition can sometimes become overly abstract, measured only in capacity targets or technology roadmaps. Geothermal has the chance to tell a fuller story. Its value is not just that it works underground, but that it can improve life above ground.

Reliable thermal energy can reduce exposure to volatile fuel costs, improve the resilience of housing and public buildings, and expand access to dependable heating and cooling in communities that need it most. That makes geothermal part of a larger public-interest story, not just a technical niche.

Linking four ideas that are too often separated: energy poverty, thermal energy networks, geothermal innovation, and workforce development. Treated together, they point to geothermal systems that are not only technically impressive but also socially meaningful.

The geothermal renaissance will be stronger if it is tied to everyday outcomes rather than just technical ambition. Energy poverty, affordability, and resilience provide a clear test for whether the industry is solving problems that matter.

This article makes three practical points for the Geothermal Rising community:

• Geothermal should be understood as a thermal infrastructure opportunity, not only an electricity story
• Thermal energy networks can help translate geothermal reliability into community-scale benefits
• Workforce development and industry collaboration are essential if these systems are going to scale

Geothermal’s long-term relevance will depend on both innovation and public value. The more clearly the industry connects those two, the stronger its future will be.

Energy transitions are often talked about in terms of infrastructure, new technologies, and ambitious climate goals. But for the people living in the neighborhoods where these changes happen, the transition feels much more personal. It shows up in monthly energy bills, comfort at home, job opportunities, and the chance to have a voice in decisions that shape their future. Meaningful community engagement is not optional; it is essential to making energy transitions successful.

In Sonoma and Mendocino counties, this transition is taking shape through the GeoZone, an initiative led by Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) to develop up to 600 MW of geothermal energy. As a community-owned, not-for-profit power provider governed by a board of local elected officials, SCP answers directly to the people it serves. That accountability fundamentally shapes how the agency approaches engagement. The goal is not simply to secure permits, but to ensure projects reflect community priorities and help residents understand why energy choices matter. For example, regional outreach has helped build understanding of why solar alone cannot provide around-the-clock reliability, and why geothermal plays a critical role in a resilient clean energy system.

Geothermal development offers long-term benefits for the region, including reliable clean power, local workforce opportunities, new tax revenue, and protection against rising energy costs. Keeping those benefits local is a core reason why SCP has entered the geothermal space. Achieving that outcome requires early and ongoing public involvement so communities can help guide how projects evolve. For many customers, engagement also starts with understanding who Sonoma Clean Power is and why its name appears on their electricity bill. 

Public presentations and town halls have created space for transparency and dialogue with residents, local leaders, partners, and industry experts. Events in Santa Rosa, the largest city in SCP’s service area, and Cloverdale, near the GeoZone’s original interest area, drew strong participation and surfaced a range of perspectives and questions, from construction impacts to seismic monitoring. Beyond large public forums, SCP continues smaller, focused conversations with local organizations and community leaders, where consistent priorities have emerged: affordability, local jobs, and long-term reliability.

Community input has also helped shape SCP’s policy advocacy for responsible geothermal development. Two SCP-sponsored bills, AB 1359 and AB 531, have been signed into law, supporting more efficient and cost-effective development of new geothermal resources. Ongoing efforts focus on improving permitting, strengthening transmission planning, and lowering costs for customers. At the same time, SCP is working with technology developers, local agencies, and research partners to advance geothermal solutions that align technical innovation with community needs. 

As the GeoZone advances, it highlights a broader lesson for energy transitions everywhere: progress depends not only on technology, but also on trust, accountability, and collaboration. By grounding innovation in community priorities, policy alignment, and strong partnerships, Sonoma Clean Power aims to demonstrate how local solutions can build a more reliable, affordable, and resilient energy future. 

Enhanced geothermal systems deliver firm, always-on power by turning hot, low-permeability rock into a controlled heat exchanger. Instead of tapping a rare natural hydrothermal reservoir, developers create permeability through stimulation, then circulate water through the engineered fracture network.

In that model, it is imperative that the system is built to last. The fractures and their ability to stay open and conductive become the heart of the asset. If the fracture network closes or degrades, the well’s productivity falls. If it remains open and conductive for decades, the same capital investment can support decades of baseload energy.

That is why the quality of the engineered reservoir “system” is an overlooked variable in EGS success. It determines not only how the well performs in the first few years, but also how it behaves over twenty or thirty years of thermal cycling and flow.

For CARBO, this is where the company’s role starts. CARBO positions itself not as a commodity supplier, but as a subsurface technology partner focused on the performance and longevity of the engineered reservoir.

Within an EGS reservoir, proppant often looks like a detail. It is not as visible as the drilling rig or the stimulation pumps. Yet it plays a decisive role. Proppant grains keep fractures open once pressure is released. They are the skeleton and ultimately the backbone of the heat exchanger.

If the proppant crushes, dissolves, or migrates, fractures close, and effective flow paths can narrow or even cease to exist. That leads to higher pressure drop, lower flow rates, and a shrinking thermal sweep. In economic terms, it shortens the productive life of the well.

More importantly, in an EGS development, the propped fracture network is not just a subsurface detail. It is a direct extension of the power plant infrastructure. The efficiency and long-term output of the surface facility are fundamentally tied to the reservoir’s ability to deliver consistent, high-conductivity flow over time. If conductivity degrades, the plant does not operate at its design capacity. If it is preserved, the entire system, from reservoir to turbine, performs as intended for decades.

Several factors make EGS more demanding than typical oil and gas environments:

• Temperatures can reach 300°C or higher in some advanced EGS and superhot rock concepts.
• Closure stresses can be high as the rock responds to stimulation and thermal cycling.
• Geothermal brines can be chemically aggressive, with scaling and corrosion tendencies.

Conventional silica sand was never designed for that combination. Under high temperature and stress, sand will crush into fines, partially dissolve in hot fluids, or chemically react in ways that narrow or block flow paths. Research on proppant reactivity in EGS environments has highlighted that long-term fracture conductivity can decline sharply when proppant is mismatched to the reservoir conditions.

By contrast, high-performance ceramic proppants are engineered from the start for strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. CARBO’s geothermal line, for example, is built specifically for EGS and other extreme subsurface environments. Products like GEOPROP and GEOPROP MAX are designed to withstand high temperatures, high closure stresses, and aggressive brines while maintaining conductivity and mechanical integrity.

The core idea is simple: if proppant is the skeleton of the engineered heat exchanger, then proppant selection is a strategic design decision, not a line-item commodity.

Ceramic proppants bring several characteristics that are directly relevant to enhanced geothermal systems:

• Strength under stress. Engineered ceramic grains are manufactured to high, consistent strength, so they resist crushing under elevated closure and thermal stress cycles.
• Thermal stability. Ceramic proppants such as GEOPROPare fired at temperatures above 1500°C. That thermal history helps them retain structure and conductivity in geothermal reservoirs where formation temperatures can exceed 300°C.
• Chemical durability. Ceramic compositions and patented pelletization techniques can be refined to resist dissolution and chemical attack in geothermal brines, reducing fines generation and preserving flow paths over time.
• Optimized conductivity. Uniform grain size and shape help create higher-conductivity packs, reducing tortuosity and pressure drop across the fracture.

For geothermal developers, the economics of these properties are straightforward. EGS wells require high upfront capital for drilling and stimulation. Once that money is spent, there are only two ways to improve returns: increase the heat produced over the life of the project, or extend its productive life. Long-term fracture conductivity serves both goals.

Ceramic proppants are designed to maintain that conductivity under conditions that would quickly degrade sand. 

In other words, proppant is directly tied to improving lifecycle economics. Getting it wrong can shorten the reservoir's life. Getting it right can protect the capital invested in the well and support truly infrastructure-grade geothermal assets.

Supply certainty is another, often overlooked, variable in geothermal project risk. EGS developments are capital-intensive and schedule-driven. Delays in critical materials can cascade into rig standby costs, missed grid connection windows, or contract penalties.

CARBO manufactures its ceramic proppant in the United States, building on a forty-five-year manufacturing base in high-quality advanced ceramics. That U.S. footprint provides several advantages for geothermal projects operating on tight timelines:

• No exposure to overseas tariffs on core proppant volumes.
• Shorter and more predictable logistics chains for North American projects.
• The ability to coordinate delivery schedules with drilling and completion programs.

For developers, that supply-chain reliability translates into one less source of uncertainty. It also supports domestic content goals where they apply, which is relevant for projects seeking certain forms of U.S. federal support.

In a market where EGS wells are often drilled in frontier conditions and testing new designs, reducing supply-chain risk around critical materials helps keep attention on the subsurface learning curve, not on whether the next proppant shipment will arrive.

Since 1979, CARBO has built a global business around engineered ceramic solutions for demanding environments: high-pressure completions, complex unconventional reservoirs, industrial processes, and now geothermal.

Over more than four decades, CARBO has:

• Pioneered high-strength ceramic proppants that became widely used in oil and gas for maximizing  EUR and return on investment.
• Invested in research and development centers to characterize fracture conductivity, proppant transport, and long-term performance under stress.
• Developed diagnostic and modeling tools that link proppant selection, fracture design, and economic outcomes in complex reservoirs.

In the geothermal space, that experience is now being applied to enhanced geothermal systems and superhot rock concepts, working with developers to design fracture systems that will remain conductive under the thermal, mechanical, and chemical realities of each project.

For Geothermal Rising’s member community, this kind of cross-sector transfer is part of the broader story of how subsurface expertise from oil and gas can accelerate the geothermal learning curve.

The geothermal sector is moving from pilots toward large-scale, infrastructure-grade deployment. EGS and related technologies are central to that transition, and as that shift happens, expectations around asset life and reliability will tighten. Power purchasers, regulators, and investors will question how long a deployment can sustain output. That question leads directly back to the engineered reservoir and to the materials that support it.

Ceramic proppants are not a silver bullet, but they are one part of an integrated EGS design that includes stimulation strategy, well architecture, and thermal management. They are part of what directly touches the “overlooked variable” this article began with: the quality and durability of the fracture network.

By combining advanced ceramic proppant technology, subsurface engineering expertise, and U.S.-based manufacturing, CARBO is uniquely positioned as a solutions-based partner for developers who want to de-risk EGS performance and protect the long-term value of their assets. For investors and operators betting heavily on infrastructure-grade geothermal, the focus on the longevity of the underground heat exchanger is a necessity.

For Geothermal Rising members, the main lesson is simple: in enhanced geothermal systems, fracture network quality is something you design. Proppant selection is a critical component in a successful development.

Treating proppant as a strategic choice rather than a commodity can:

• Improve long-term fracture conductivity and connectivity in extreme temperature and stress environments.
• Support better lifecycle economics by protecting early capital investments.
• Reduce some of the operational and supply-chain risk associated with EGS development.
• Reinforce power plant efficiency and long-term reliability by ensuring the reservoir consistently delivers the flow needed to sustain design capacity and revenue generation.

As enhanced geothermal systems scale up, the operators and developers will be judged not just on drilling deeper or hotter, but on building systems that last. Advanced ceramic proppants, applied thoughtfully and supported by subsurface expertise, are one tool that can help make that longevity real.

Most BHA components in high-temperature wells are designed for a maximum operating temperature around 149°C (300°F). In contrast, formation temperatures in some shale and geothermal wells already exceed 177°C (350°F). As the circulation loop runs, the relatively cool mud that is pumped down the drillpipe absorbs heat from the hot rock around the wellbore. At the bit, the mud turns and returns toward the surface in the annulus as hotter circulating mud. Because the well is drilled overbalanced, native formation fluids stay in the rock, and it is the drilling mud that picks up and carries the heat. By the time mud reaches the bottom hole assembly, its temperature is much closer to the formation temperature, which is the temperature the tools actually have to withstand.

Elevated temperatures do more than stress electronics. They accelerate corrosion, erosion, and fatigue in steels and elastomers and degrade mud rheology, thinning the fluid and reducing its ability to clean the hole. The result is familiar to drilling engineers: more unplanned trips, more tool failures, and more non-productive time.

Whether the well is chasing gas in the Eagle Ford or heat in a geothermal project, the central question is the same. How do we keep the circulating system cool enough for the tools to survive, without sacrificing performance?

NOV’s Tuboscope business unit has spent decades developing internal coatings that extend tubular life by resisting corrosion, wear, and deposit buildup while maintaining hydraulic efficiency. As operators in oil and gas and geothermal began seeking a coating that could also serve as a thermal barrier, the research team focused on one key property: thermal conductivity.

Carbon steel drillpipe has a thermal conductivity of roughly 45 W/m·K, so it readily conducts heat from hot rock and annular fluids into the cooler mud inside the pipe. Legacy internal coatings improved corrosion resistance but did relatively little to slow heat flow.

Using a heat flow meter, NOV tested candidate coatings across a wide temperature range. 

Earlier coatings averaged about 0.84 W/m²K. Through multiple iterations, the team developed TK Drakōn with an average thermal conductivity of 0.162 watts per meter Kelvin, more than five times lower than that of previous coatings and nearly 280 times lower than that of steel. The inside of the pipe becomes a significantly cooler pathway for drilling fluid.

TK Drakōn was also subjected to high temperature, high-pressure exposure, immersion in corrosive solutions, and physical tests for abrasion, impact, and flexibility. The coating is applied in a thin 20 to 30 mil (0.5 to 0.75 millimeter) layer that preserves a smooth internal surface, supports efficient flow, and limits the buildup of scale and solids.

With more than 1.0 million feet (about 305,000 meters) of TK Drakōn-coated pipe in service, the coating has moved from concept to a standard option for high-temperature drilling. For geothermal developers, it offers a qualified way to manage heat along the drillstring while also protecting tubulars from aggressive brines.

Managing temperature inside the well starts at the surface. Once hot mud returns from the hole, it passes through shakers and solids-control equipment, then becomes a candidate for cooling before being pumped back downhole. 

Conventional mud cooling often relies on evaporative or air-based systems that struggle in hot, humid environments and may require large volumes of water. Chillers use a closed refrigeration loop to remove heat from the fluid and can maintain precise temperature control without external water.

NOV’s Tundra Max mud chiller combines air cooling and chiller technologies in a two-stage, closed-loop package. In the first stage, an air cooling unit removes heat from the drilling fluid by transferring it into a circulating water loop. In the second stage, a refrigeration unit removes additional heat from the same water loop, allowing it to continue pulling heat from the mud. Both stages use plate and frame heat exchangers in a counter-flow configuration, where the drilling fluid flows in one direction, and the cooling water flows in the other, which increases contact and improves heat transfer from the hot drilling fluid to the cooling medium.

The trailer-mounted unit can handle oil-based, synthetic-based, and water-based muds. In the first stage, an air-cooling unit removes heat from the water loop. In the second stage, a refrigeration unit chills that loop further. Both stages use plate-and-frame heat exchangers in a counterflow configuration to transfer heat between the mud and the cooling medium.

At the rig site, Tundra Max draws relatively clean fluid from the suction tank, chills it, and returns it to the solids control tank, typically the hottest point in the surface system. The result is a continuous heat sink that pulls the overall system temperature downward before the mud is pumped back into the well.

In long, high-temperature laterals in South Texas, this integrated approach delivered measurable gains. In one case study, Tundra Max lowered the active mud temperature at the surface by an average of 29.5°C, from 61.7°C at the inlet to 32.2°C at the outlet. With the mud chiller alone, the bottom hole temperatures were reduced to about 186°C, even though the undisturbed formation temperature was close to 196°C. When the chiller was combined with TK Drakōn-coated drillpipe, the bottom-hole circulating temperatures in the wellbore dropped further to an average of 159°C. That additional margin improved the operating environment for downhole electronics and elastomers and reduced heat-related risks for personnel at the surface.

As lateral lengths approach 8 kilometers and geothermal concepts push toward supercritical and superhot conditions, drilling will increasingly be limited by the tools that can tolerate them, not just by rock mechanics. Temperature in the circulation system is something operators can actively design around.

For geothermal projects, whether conventional hydrothermal, enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop designs, or superhot pilots, the path is similar. Assume active temperature management from the earliest phases of well design. Pair downhole insulation, such as TK Drakōn, with surface cooling, such as Tundra Max, as standard practice in high temperature campaigns. Use early wells in a field to tune bit selection, trajectory, hydraulics, and the thermal profile of the circulation system.

NOV is already extending its coating and cooling expertise into geothermal projects. These cross-sector lessons are relevant to a community experimenting with new well architectures and resource types while still relying on many of the same drilling fundamentals.

The story behind TK Drakōn and Tundra Max is less about individual products and more about a systems approach to heat. By reducing heat transfer into the drilling fluid and removing heat at the surface, NOV’s integrated system keeps BHAs operating closer to their rated lifespans, reduces non-productive time due to temperature-driven failures, stabilizes mud properties, and improves rig safety. Across multi-well campaigns, those gains compound and drive down cost per meter drilled.

As a participant in the Geothermal Rising community, NOV brings high-temperature drilling experience and a coatings and fluids portfolio that can be adapted for geothermal. In an industry-driven organisation that exists to connect subsurface innovators, this kind of technology transfer supports a shared goal: making clean, always on geothermal energy a practical choice in more places around the world.

Geothermal energy has the potential to play a major role in the United States’ clean-energy transition by providing reliable, low-carbon heating, cooling, and power. Yet despite its technical strengths, geothermal deployment remains limited across much of the country. This study shows that social acceptance—how people perceive, evaluate, and feel about geothermal technologies—is now a decisive factor shaping geothermal’s real-world viability.

Based on a national survey of more than 6,000 U.S. residents, including detailed analysis across five regions and 14 geothermal-relevant states, the study compares public acceptance of geoexchange, hydrothermal, and next-generation geothermal systems. Acceptance is measured as a combination of favorability, comfort, and general support, and analyzed alongside key social and psychological drivers.

The results reveal a consistent national pattern: geothermal enjoys moderate and broadly positive acceptance across the U.S., even though public familiarity remains relatively low. Across nearly all regions and states, perceived benefits—such as reliability, affordability, and long-term value—are the strongest and most consistent drivers of acceptance. Fairness, familiarity, social responsibility, and social norms play important secondary roles, shaping how acceptance forms in different contexts.

Importantly, perceived risk does not emerge as a dominant barrier in general attitudinal evaluations, suggesting that public concern is less about fear and more about whether geothermal is seen as beneficial, fair, and socially valuable. Acceptance of next-generation geothermal, in particular, is shaped more by perceptions of long-term community benefit and societal contribution than by technical risk.

Overall, the findings indicate that geothermal’s challenge is not public opposition, but visibility, clarity, and alignment with local priorities. When geothermal is understood and framed around tangible benefits and fairness, public support is strong—providing a solid foundation for responsible scale-up.

Download Full Report

This year’s Geothermal Rising (GRC) Conference in Reno was, as always, a remarkable convergence of the brightest minds in our industry. But for me, this year's event held a profound personal significance. I was given the privilege of presenting the inaugural Dr. Jim Bose Excellence in Heat Pumps Award.

To stand on that stage and inaugurate an award bearing his name was a full-circle moment that connected the very beginnings of my own career with the innovative future our industry is now building.

The award was presented to a deserving pioneer of the modern era, Matthieu Simon, CTO and Co-founder of Celsius, for his work in pushing the boundaries of geothermal design.

For me, this was more than a ceremony. It was a chance to honor the man who trained me, Dr. Jim Bose, and to recognize the new generation of leaders who are carrying his legacy forward.

To understand the weight of this award, you must first understand the man it’s named for.

Dr. Jim Bose, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), is widely and correctly regarded as the "father of the modern geothermal heat pump industry." While the concept of a heat pump had been around since the 1940s, it was Dr. Bose who, during the energy crisis of the 1970s, recognized its massive potential and dedicated his life to making it a practical, scalable reality.

His true breakthrough was developing the foundational engineering equations for closed-loop ground heat transfer. He essentially cracked the code, transforming geothermal from a niche idea into a verifiable, designable, and reliable technology.

But his genius didn't stop at the math. Dr. Bose understood that an industry needs a home. In 1987, he founded the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) at OSU. This single act established a global hub for research, development, and, most importantly, standardized training. He turned Stillwater, Oklahoma, into the epicenter of the geothermal universe.

This new award is a continuation of Dr. Bose's life's work. It was established by Geothermal Rising to recognize "outstanding advancement in the development and deployment of low-temperature heat pump technology."

It's fitting that the first-ever recipient is Matthieu Simon and his team at Celsius.

Matthieu’s work represents the next logical evolution of Dr. Bose’s original equations. While Dr. Bose gave us the foundational science, Matthieu is pioneering the tools to optimize and deploy it at a massive scale in complex urban environments.

Celsius has pioneered a new approach that combines innovative well placement (including inclined well geometries), advanced digital twins, and physics-based full-system models. This work bridges the gap between raw subsurface science and practical, deployable, and highly efficient solutions for decarbonizing large buildings and campuses.

It is exactly the kind of innovation Dr. Bose championed.

Presenting that award to Matthieu was one of the great honors of my career. It felt like the past shaking hands with the future.

From being a young entrepreneur sitting in Dr. Bose's classroom at OSU, absorbing the fundamentals, to standing on the GRC stage recognizing a new leader who is defining the industry's future—it's a powerful testament to how far this industry has come.

We are no longer a niche concept. We are an essential solution.

Congratulations, Matthieu Simon, on being the fitting and deserving recipient of this inaugural award. The foundations Dr. Bose laid are strong, and the future being built upon them—by innovators like you—is brighter than ever.

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  

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:

• Purification and Rebirth: The intense, controlled heat symbolized purification, with participants emerging from the dome in a ceremonial "rebirth".
• Essential Function: The practice was vital for warriors before and after battle, for ballplayers, and in indigenous medicine. The high architectural standing of temazcales within ceremonial centers confirms their significant role in Aztec life.

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.

1. Haraldsson, E., & Lloret, S. (2014). Geothermal Baths, Swimming Pools and Spas: Examples from Ecuador and Iceland. Proceedings, World Geothermal Congress 2015.
2. Turismo Ecuador 24. (Article on Sacred Springs and Healing Waters).
3. TripSavvy / Excellence Resorts Blog on Temazcal. (Articles on the Traditional Mexican Sweat Lodge and Ancient Aztec Thermal Therapy).

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. 

Workforce Success webpage: https://geothermal.org/our-impact/workforce-success

We reached out to Christoper Katis and Gosia Skowron, who lead the Utah FORGE Outreach and Communication Team, to discuss their very popular classroom visits. When this school outreach began in 2021, the Team focused on 4th-5th graders; they have now expanded to middle and high schoolers. At first exclusive to Beaver County, where the Utah FORGE wells are drilled, they have now reached nearly 50 classrooms statewide, and even spoke to a group of home-schooled rural students. (Photo Credit: Eric Larson, Flash Point, SLC)

Each class visit starts with an age-appropriate presentation to introduce everyone to the concepts of geothermal energy, followed by hands-on experiments. Christopher and Gosia believe that using tactile and visual demonstrations engage students’ curiosity, and their most popular demonstrations are:

• Thermal camera lets them “see” heat signature changes
• Peltier Devices are used to power an LED with just the heat from their hands
• Rock samples collected from 8,500 feet below the surface are examined for minerals
• Sterling engines, thermo-electric generators, and handboilers are used to demonstrate heat transfer
• Interactive quizzes, with results tracked in real-time, test students’ newly acquired knowledge in a fun and competitive way

For more information on fun ways to teach geothermal visit the Utah FORGE website: https://utahforge.com/teacher-resources/

Utah FORGE’s program introduces young learners to topics outside of their typical curriculum. Their goal isn’t just to raise awareness, but also to spark questions and encourage critical thinking. Energy sources and usage is a topic that impacts their local communities, and is also a global scale concern.

In elementary classrooms, outreach efforts include a popular poster contest, where students research and illustrate a geothermal topic of interest.  Did you know that bananas grow in Iceland and there are metal plated snails that live on underwater volcanoes in the Indian Ocean? The youth of Utah do and they’re making award winning art about it! The winning entries are celebrated at school and displayed in local libraries, reinforcing a link between science learning and community pride.

Inspired by the efforts to turn STEM into STEAM, a song parody contest was introduced to incorporate creative thinking into STEM teachings. It offers students a refreshing new way to look at the energy problems around them. Song parody competitions harness students’ creativity and challenge them to write and perform original lyrics to a well-known song. (check these out!):  https://utahforge.com/outreach/song-parody-contest/

What’s the secret to such a successful program? Christopher and Gosia were emphatic: You have to be there - in the community! Attend the county fair and town hall meetings, be available to answer questions, and be a resource. When you become part of the community everyone from the local librarian, county commissioners, and young learners get excited about geothermal. Equally important, is to expand beyond the obvious reach and broaden the audience from legislators to AP physics students, from Chambers of Commerce to Universities across the state.

We’re glad to see students embrace learning and fun at the same time and only hope to foster more of it in the future. In the 2025–26 school year, Utah FORGE’s outreach efforts will look to continue expanding the program further to more public, private, charter, and rural schools across the state. 

Read more about Utah FORGE’s community engagement work in this technical paper:

Best Practices for Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement – Case Study at Utah FORGE. https://publications.mygeoenergynow.org/grc/1034828.pdf

The GR Workforce Success Group believes that building real and lasting relationships with the communities where geothermal technology is developed will help to advance the industry. This might be by fostering an interest in geothermal, developing local talent, building opportunities for collaboration, or ensuring that the benefits of the geothermal good life are shared by all. It starts with a meaningful connection between people.

#Geothermal #Education #UtahFORGE #Community

A healthy ecosystem thrives on biodiversity; similarly, a secure and enduring energy system depends on diversification. Relying too heavily on a single energy source leaves us vulnerable to market fluctuations, geopolitical shocks, and environmental impacts. The push towards a wider array of energy options, and particularly the robust potential of geothermal energy, mirrors the call for a broader, more reliable approach to our power needs.

Geothermal energy, harnessing the consistent heat from within the Earth, offers a unique set of advantages:

• Reliable Baseload Power: Unlike intermittent sources like solar and wind, geothermal can provide continuous power, making it a crucial component of a stable grid.
• Minimal Land Footprint: Geothermal plants generally require less land than other large-scale energy projects.
• Cleaner Operations: While not entirely emission-free, geothermal power plants produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels [1].

Pride Month commemorates the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights, a movement built on courage, visibility, and the unwavering belief in the right to exist authentically. It's about dismantling barriers, challenging norms, and creating spaces where every individual can contribute their full potential without fear of discrimination. The green stripe in the original Pride flag, representing nature, subtly links the movement to environmental considerations, a connection that has grown stronger over time with the rise of environmental justice advocacy [2].

The values that underpin Pride – inclusivity, acceptance, and the celebration of unique identities – are not just social ideals; they are powerful drivers of innovation and progress.

The energy sector, undergoing a monumental transition, stands to gain immensely from embracing diversity in all its forms. Research consistently shows that diverse teams, including those with strong LGBTQIA+ representation, lead to:

• Enhanced Innovation: A wider range of perspectives and experiences fosters more creative problem-solving and the development of novel solutions to complex challenges, such as energy security and climate readiness [3]. This is particularly critical in fields like geothermal, where technological advancements are constantly being made.
• Improved Performance: Companies with greater diversity often report stronger financial results and higher productivity [4].
• Attracting Top Talent: A truly inclusive workplace is a magnet for top-tier professionals, ensuring the energy sector has the talent it needs to achieve its ambitious energy goals [5].

Organizations like Geothermal Rising have explicitly recognized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), establishing task forces to foster a sense of belonging within the geothermal community and beyond [6]. Similarly, groups like Pride in Energy in the UK and Out in Energy in the US are actively working to elevate LGBTQIA+ voices and address discrimination within the broader energy industry [7].

There is no historical evidence to suggest that the inclusion of geothermal energy directly "helped develop" Pride Month. However, the conceptual parallels are striking and deeply meaningful. Both movements advocate for a departure from singular, often restrictive, approaches to embrace a richness of options and identities.

Just as geothermal energy diversifies our power supply, making it more resilient and dependable, embracing the full diversity of our human potential—including our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, and family—strengthens our workforce and accelerates innovation. This Pride Month, let us recognize that a truly robust energy future is one where diverse energies power diverse communities, built by a workforce that celebrates every unique contribution.

[1] Oduor, J. N. (2010, April 16). Environmental and Social Considerations in Geothermal Development. FIG Working Week 2010. Retrieved from http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2010/papers/ts01e%5Cts01e_oduor_3857.pdf

[2] National Environmental Education Foundation. (2023, June 6). Exploring the Intersectionality Between Environmental Justice and Pride Month. NEEF. Retrieved from https://www.neefusa.org/story/environmental-education/exploring-intersectionality-between-environmental-justice-and-pride

[3] Maverick Power. (n.d.). Why Gender Diversity in Energy is Driving Innovation. Retrieved from https://maverickpwr.com/how-gender-diversity-is-reshaping-the-energy-sector/

[4] Navitas. (2025, February 13). Diversity & Inclusion in Clean Energy: Driving Innovation and and Reliability. Retrieved from https://navitas-nrg.com/diversity-inclusion-in-clean-energy-driving-innovation-and-sustainability/

[5] Energy Alliance. (n.d.). Energy transition: why inclusion and innovation matter?. Retrieved from https://energyalliance.org/unlocking-socioeconomic-benefits-inclusive-energy-transition/

[6] Geothermal Rising. (2023, February). Diversity and Inclusion in the Geothermal Community: Beginning the Journey of a Thousand Miles. Retrieved from https://geothermal.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/2022%20GR%20DEI%20paper.pdf

[7] Startup Energy Transition. (2023, July 18). 5 Initiatives for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Energy Industry. Retrieved from https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/lgbtq-energy-inclusion/