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/

Elsevier has published the second edition of its comprehensive book Geothermal Power Generation: Developments and Innovation, available at:

https://shop.elsevier.com/books/geothermal-power-generation/dipippo/978-0-443-24750-7

ISBN: Hardback, 9780443247507; eBook, 9780443247514

The original edition, published in 2016, was edited by Ronald DiPippo; the new one was edited by DiPippo along with Luis C.A. Gutiérrez-Negrín and Andrew Chiasson. The book comprises 28 chapters written by 40 authors from 12 countries, namely, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States. There is also an appendix with data on installed geothermal power plants across the world showing trends and projections for the near-term.

In the eight years following the first edition, geothermal power has continued to be a steady and reliable source of electricity to nearly 70 million people around the world. The number of countries served by geothermal power plants has risen from 24 in 2015 to 32, with another 11 poised to join the geothermal club of nations. In 2015, about 12 GW of geothermal power was installed, whereas now the total exceeds 16 GW, representing nearly 4% annual growth.

The book is organized into four sections:

Part One - Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Evaluation

Part Two - Energy Conversion Systems

Part Three - Design and Economic Considerations

Part Four - Case Studies

The first three sections follow the typical chronological order in the development of a resource, from the beginning of exploration through to the options for engineering a power plant, including environmental, economic, social and cultural considerations.

The chapters are descriptive while giving enough analytical material to allow readers to apply scientific principles to understand the design and performance of various plants. The last section includes eight chapters describing actual plants operating around the world, from the earliest ones in Italy, now over 120 years ago, to recent developments in Kenya, and several other countries and regions.

Throughout the book, color photographs and diagrams are used to convey the nature of geothermal resources and a physical sense of different power plant designs, including dry steam, single-, double-, and triple-flash, to a variety of binary and hybrid plants. Extensive reference lists and bibliographies accompany each chapter for further in-depth reading and research.

The second edition includes several new chapters dealing with developments in the Philippines, Central America and the Caribbean, Chile, and Kenya. Another new chapter presents a case study of the large geothermal field at Cerro Prieto in Mexico that has been in continuous operation for over 50 years since 1973.

Innovations and emerging technologies include Advanced Deep Drilling (ADD) and Mineral Recovery (MR) from geothermal brines. While neither of these emerging technologies has been brought to the commercial stage, they promise results in the near term. So far, ADD has demonstrated that existing productive fields can be enhanced, but no power plant has been developed solely by using ADD techniques. Likewise, mineral recovery, in particular the recovery of lithium, has been demonstrated in laboratory tests using simulated brines, and pilot demonstration plants have been designed, however extending the concepts to full-scale operation at a real power plant, or as a stand-alone mineral recovery plant, has so far proven highly challenging.

The following is excerpted from a book review by Susan Fox Hodgson, California Div. of Oil, Gas and Geothermal, retired.

Geothermal Power Generation: Developments and Innovation, Second Edition, includes 958 pages of first-rate geothermal information emphasizing advanced energy technologies. The exceptionally well-organized text is backed by a 30-page index. The front and back covers show geothermal power plants sited in naturally green areas, environmentally in sync with the "green" nature of geothermal power production.

Some chapters touch on geothermal history. An example is Chapter 21, titled “Larderello, Italy: The Oldest Geothermal Field in Operation in the World.” The chapter begins with a Prologue, “...an historical outline, beginning in Prehistory, of Italian geothermal development up to 1960, with particular reference to the Boraciferous Region.” The Prologue, by Raffaele Cataldi, is followed by technical information from authors, Roberto Parri, Franco Lazzeri, and Alessandro Lenzi. The issues they discuss include “...studies and pilot tests on new materials and/or alloys for turbines and auxiliary equipment.”

It doesn't matter if you work in geothermal or don't know the first thing about it. The book is for you. If you are unfamiliar with geothermal power plants, someday you may need a few geothermal facts. Say out of the blue, a developer suggests building a geothermal power plant in your area. You and other residents want to understand the project. Reading through the chapter titles can help guide you to the information you need. Geothermal developers will find the book useful, as well. Talking to (or teaching) community groups about geothermal energy and answering their questions is part of the job.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is crucial to recognize the intersection of racial justice and renewable energy advancements, particularly in geothermal energy. This sustainable energy source offers significant opportunities for achieving energy equity, essential for historically marginalized and predominantly Black communities who face disproportionate environmental and energy challenges.

Understanding Energy Equity

Energy equity is about creating a system where all communities, irrespective of their race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, can access affordable, reliable, and clean energy. It addresses the injustices that historically underserved communities face, such as higher energy costs, inadequate infrastructure, and greater exposure to pollutants from conventional energy sources. Promoting energy equity involves not only addressing these disparities but also actively prioritizing the energy needs of these communities to ensure they benefit from renewable energy advancements like geothermal power.

Geothermal energy, with its capacity for local development, offers a robust solution to these challenges. It provides a stable and reliable energy source that does not depend on weather conditions, unlike solar or wind power. This reliability is especially vital for communities that have historically faced erratic power access, thereby improving their overall quality of life and promoting economic stability through job creation and infrastructure development.

Furthermore, geothermal energy's low emissions footprint helps reduce environmental hazards, contributing to cleaner air and improved public health for communities historically exposed to higher pollution levels. This clean energy source is critical for advancing public health and environmental quality in these areas.

The evolution of geothermal energy from ancient uses to modern technological advancements has significantly expanded its accessibility and efficiency. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and the integration with other renewable sources increase its potential, providing a more resilient and comprehensive energy supply.

To fully realize the potential of geothermal energy in promoting energy equity, a collaborative and inclusive approach is essential. Engaging with local communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders ensures that the benefits of geothermal energy are distributed equitably and supports a sustainable energy transition that honors the spirit and objectives of Black History Month. For more insights into the contributions of Black innovators to this field and detailed information on energy equity, visit Energy.gov’s celebration of Black innovators and energy pioneers. Alliant Energy - Honoring Black innovators’ contributions to renewable energy

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.

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.

"Geothermal is the future," said competition participant Cesar Vivas at a geothermal community event hosted by the winning team. "It is the only renewable that can be a baseload source of power and is not limited by seasonal factors. You can develop geothermal energy anywhere, so I recommend anyone to apply to this competition."

The Sooners Geothermal Team from the University of Oklahoma (OU) took first place for designing a system repurposing six abandoned oil and gas wells in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to provide clean, renewable geothermal energy for more than 730,449 square feet of educational and municipal buildings, including sites within the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Potawatomi Nation jurisdiction.

By using previously drilled, currently unproductive oil and gas wells, the team showed how a creative design could reduce drilling costs to feasibly power local schools, religious centers, and government buildings using geothermal energy.

As part of the competition, the first-place team from the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy received funding to host a community event sharing their project and the benefits of geothermal. The team's event was held on Sept. 2, 2022, in the historic Molly Shi Boren Ballroom at the Oklahoma Memorial Union, where the team shared their passion for this project and the potential of geothermal energy.

"I just took a course here on geothermal, but the amount of knowledge that we acquired by doing the project was so much more than a course—it is a 'hands in' type of opportunity," said Karelia La Marca, the team's geophysicist.

As she enters the final year of her doctoral studies at OU, La Marca shared that her studies of geothermal are not over just because the competition has ended.

"The cool thing is that I got so interested in geothermal energy from this competition, and how we can transfer oil and gas skills, that my third and final doctoral project is going to be based on geothermal," La Marca said.

Yuxing Wu, a postdoctoral researcher at OU responsible for modeling and economic development for the competition project, has also found inspiration through the competition.

"Next step, we want to let more people know we have this project, collect some funding, and then we want to make it real—not just on paper," Wu said.

So how did the team react when they learned they won this year's competition and $10,000?

"We were very proud of all the work we put into it, but we were all kind of in shock when we heard we won," Cedola said. "We freaked out, started texting and calling each other, and our advisors and teachers found out. It was thrilling."

The next Geothermal Collegiate Competition opens for registration—and a shot at thousands in prize funding—in November 2022. Competition deliverables will be due in spring 2023. Keep an eye on the Geothermal Collegiate Competition website for more information.