Tuesday, April 7
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Opening Plenary Session
Keynote - Why Now for Geothermal? Unlocking the Next Era of Energy Investment and Innovation: Join us for a keynote address by a leading institutional investor who is helping shape the future of energy markets. Drawing from real-world experience in scaling investments across emerging technologies, this session will explore how institutional capital is approaching the geothermal sector and adjacent opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into what drives large-scale investment decisions, how risk and return are evaluated in the energy transition, and why geothermal is increasingly seen as a critical pillar for sustainable, resilient infrastructure. This keynote will offer strategic perspectives for anyone looking to understand where smart money is heading—and why now is the time to act.
Keynote Speaker:
- Ken Medlock, Senior Director of the Center for Energy Studies, Rice University
Keynote – Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy: Join us for a high-level keynote offering a strategic outlook on the evolving geothermal market. As the global demand for clean, firm energy grows, geothermal is gaining renewed attention from policymakers, investors, and developers alike. This session will provide an in-depth analysis of current trends, emerging markets, and the technologies reshaping what’s possible in the sector. From near-term opportunities to long-range potential, the keynote will explore where the industry is headed—and what it will take to scale geothermal to meet global energy needs. Whether you're an investor, operator, or policymaker, this session will help frame the road ahead for geothermal energy.
Keynote Speaker:
- Suhrid Mantravadi, Partner, Grey Rock Investment Partners
10:00 AM- 10:30 AM | Networking Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel: Evaluating Geothermal Projects/Assets for Investment: Risks, Rewards, and Realities
Investing in geothermal energy requires a thorough understanding of resource potential, project economics, and risk factors. This panel will provide a deep dive into the key criteria for evaluating geothermal projects and assets, from geological assessments and technological feasibility to financial modeling and regulatory considerations. Industry experts and investors will discuss best practices for due diligence, risk mitigation strategies, and how to align investment decisions with long-term returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to geothermal, this session will equip you with the tools to make informed investment choices in this growing sector.
Moderator: Mike Matson, Partner & Associate Director, Low Carbon Solutions Global Lead of Geothermal, BCG
Panelists:
- Joey Husband, Senior Advisor, Nabors Energy Transition Ventures, Nabors
- Jesper Jolma, President at Baseload Power US, Baseload
- Florent Rousset, Geothermal Vice President, New Energies, Baker Hughes
- Kerry Sandhu, Director North America, Ad Terra
- Nick Williams, Managing Director & Head of Infrastructure, Americas, EIG Partners
- Elizabeth Wolfe, Sr. Consultant, Energy Dominance Financing, DOE
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Investment in Practice: The Why and the How
Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a candid conversation between an investor and a startup founder working at the forefront of clean energy innovation. They will share firsthand perspectives on how investment decisions are made, how partnerships are built, and how emerging technologies are being scaled in real time. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from bringing breakthrough energy projects to market. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of energy, this session offers a unique, real-world look at what it takes to drive innovation forward.
Moderator: Chris Mudd, Managing Partner, Chiron Financial
Speakers:
- Brooks Brydges, Founding Partner, Cardiff Capital Collab, LLC
- Jay Egg, President, Egg Geo
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Plenary Keynote: Betting on the Heat: How Investors are Powering Geothermal’s Rise
Keynote Speaker:
- Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Funding Next Generation Development
Moderator: Thomas Shattuck, Attorney, Clifford Chance US LLP
Speakers:
- Henk Both, Principal, Anzu Partners
- Lucy Darago, Chief Commercial Officer, XGS
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Panel: Utility Buyer Drivers for Geothermal Development: Meeting Demand with Reliable, Renewable Energy
As utilities work to meet clean energy mandates, enhance grid reliability, and provide cost-effective power to customers, geothermal energy is emerging as a key solution. This panel will explore the factors driving utility interest in geothermal, including baseload reliability, resource adequacy, long-term price stability, and regulatory incentives. Power experts will discuss what utilities look for in geothermal projects, how developers can align with utility needs, and the role of geothermal in future energy portfolios. Attendees will gain valuable insights into market trends, procurement strategies, and pathways for expanding geothermal’s role in the energy mix.
Moderator: Andrew Coleman, Executive Director, Corporate, Affairs, EPRI
Panelists:
- Pete Franetovich, President, Zenergy
- Taylor Moot, Senior Innovation Technology Consultant, Xcel Energy
- Nortey Yeboah, Principal Engineer, Southern Company
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Fireside Chat: Partnering with Service Companies - Lessons from the Front Lines
Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a candid conversation between an investor and a startup founder working at the forefront of clean energy innovation. They will share firsthand perspectives on how investment decisions are made, how partnerships are built, and how emerging technologies are being scaled in real time. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from bringing breakthrough energy projects to market. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of energy, this session offers a unique, real-world look at what it takes to drive innovation forward.
Moderator: Stephanie Wisner, Managing Director | Global Banking & Markets, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Speakers:
- Nitin Goel, Vice President of New Energy Strategy, SLB
- Kirsten Marcia, President/CEO, DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp.
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception
Join us for an evening of connection and collaboration with leaders from across the geothermal, energy, and investment communities. This informal networking reception offers a valuable opportunity to meet fellow attendees, share insights, and build relationships that can spark new partnerships and projects. Whether you're local to the region or visiting from out of town, come enjoy great conversations, refreshments, and regional hospitality.
Wednesday, April 8
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Registration
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session – Keynote: Mapping the Future of Geothermal Energy
Join us for a high-level keynote offering a strategic outlook on the evolving geothermal market. As the global demand for clean, firm energy grows, geothermal is gaining renewed attention from policymakers, investors, and developers alike. This session will provide an in-depth analysis of current trends, emerging markets, and the technologies reshaping what’s possible in the sector. From near-term opportunities to long-range potential, the keynote will explore where the industry is headed—and what it will take to scale geothermal to meet global energy needs. Whether you're an investor, operator, or policymaker, this session will help frame the road ahead for geothermal energy.
Keynote Speaker:
- Mike O'Connor, Director, Western States Geothermal Consortium Deputy Director, Energy Programs, Center for Public Enterprise
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel: Investing in the Heat Beneath: Structures, Risk, and Opportunity
With rising demand for sustainable, baseload power—especially from energy-hungry sectors like data centers—geothermal is uniquely positioned for scalable growth. Our panel will explore emerging deal structures that align geothermal assets with the needs of hyperscale infrastructure, creating long-term, de-risked investment opportunities. Experts will also address how insurers are evolving to back greenfield developments and next-gen geothermal technologies, improving bankability and accelerating project timelines. Finally, we’ll break down permitting trends in Texas, a state quickly becoming a hotbed for geothermal investment thanks to a favorable regulatory shift and abundant subsurface resources. If you're looking for strategic entry points into a resilient and rapidly growing market, this conversation is not to be missed.
Moderator: Derek Dixon, Vice President Business Development, GreenFire Energy
Panelists:
- Travis Annatoyn, Counsel, Arnold & Porter
- Matt Bormann, Head of North America Clean Technology, Moelis
- Justin Treat, Senior Vice President, Oil & Gas, CAC Specialty
- Marcus Oesterberg, Chief Operating Officer, Ignis Energy
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Fireside Chat: Bridging Innovation Between Oilfield Services and Geothermal Startups
This fireside chat explores the evolving relationship between a leading oilfield services provider and a cutting-edge geothermal startup, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how traditional energy expertise is being leveraged to support next-generation clean energy innovation. Hear firsthand how legacy capabilities in drilling, subsurface analysis, and project execution are being applied to geothermal—and what this means for scaling new technologies. The conversation will also highlight the startup’s path to partnership, the strategic alignment that made collaboration possible, and the broader implications for cross-sector investment and innovation.
Moderator: Alix Steel, Principal, Drive Path Advisors
Speakers: TBD
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel: Acquisitions, Alliances, and Partnerships
This panel will examine how strategic acquisitions, alliances, and partnerships are accelerating geothermal market growth and shaping the future of the industry. Panelists will share insights on what drives successful collaborations between operators, investors, and technology providers—whether through M&A, joint ventures, or structured partnerships. The conversation will highlight how these relationships can unlock capital, reduce risk, scale deployment, and foster innovation across the geothermal value chain. For those looking to understand how strategic alignment fuels expansion, this session offers actionable perspectives from leaders on the front lines.
Moderator: Sean Marshall, Business Development Manager – Renewables & Energy Efficiency, SLB
Panelists:
- Oritsegbubemi Bafor, Technology Delivery Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency, SLB
- John Bakht, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright
- Antonio Montero Perez, Executive Director Sustainability & Low Carbon Transition Advisory USA, BBVA
- Julia Wright, Board Chair, Hephae Energy Technology
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Investing in Geothermal Technology – Lessons from the Front Lines
This fireside chat features a conversation between an investor and a startup founder who are working together to accelerate geothermal development through bolt-on technologies. Learn how incremental innovations—designed to enhance existing geothermal assets or unlock new ones—are attracting strategic investment and driving measurable impact. The discussion will cover how bolt-on solutions are de-risked for investors, shorten project timelines, and create scalable opportunities within the broader clean energy transition. If you’re interested in how smart, targeted technology can transform legacy energy infrastructure, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
Moderator: Philip Ball, Director, GEA
Speakers:
- Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
- Steve Krase, Chief Executive Officer, Hephae Energy Technology
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Panel: Smart Growth: Navigating Bolt-on Acquisitions in Geothermal
As geothermal gains traction in the clean mix, bolt-on acquisitions may be an emerging as a strategic lever for scaling innovation, accelerating deployment, and maximizing asset value. This panel brings together investors, developers, and technology leaders to unpack what makes a geothermal project or solution a smart acquisition target. From identifying strategic fit and commercial viability to managing risk and unlocking synergies, panelists will share real-world insights on how bolt-on deals are shaping the next phase of geothermal growth. Whether you're building, buying, or scaling, this session offers practical guidance on how to use acquisitions to drive results.
Moderator: Brian Smith, Director, Strategy, Baker Hughes
Panelists:
- Torsten Kolind, Co-Founder & CEO, Underground Ventures
- Greg Leveille, Chief Executive Officer, Tidal Wave Technologies, LLC
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Networking Break
3:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Startup-Investor Speed Networking Session
Designed to spark meaningful connections quickly, this high-energy "speed dating" session matches geothermal startups with investors for a series of rapid one-on-one conversations. Each meeting offers a chance to pitch, ask questions, and explore potential partnerships in a focused, time-efficient format. Whether you're an investor looking for your next opportunity or a startup seeking strategic capital, this session is built to accelerate introductions and open the door to deeper discussions. Be ready with your elevator pitch—and plenty of business cards!
