CRES Forum hosted our third CRES Academy of 2024, and it was groundbreaking! The event, “Geothermal Energy 101: Unleashing the Heat Beneath Our Feet” provided a comprehensive examination of geothermal energy, including its significance to the United States’ energy portfolio, production processes, challenges and future opportunities.
Geothermal energy has emerged as a pivotal baseload, renewable energy resource contributing to the nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy. Attendees gained insights into the process of harnessing geothermal energy, which involves tapping into underground water reservoirs or high-pressure steam with temperatures ranging from 200-700°F. Geothermal power plants employ various technologies to capture this energy and drive turbines, thereby producing clean, reliable electricity.
The panel, moderated by CRES Forum Senior Policy Fellow Tim Doyle, featured experts who shared their invaluable perspectives on advancing geothermal technology. Ken Clifford, Deputy Chief of Staff for Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif), Sean Marshall of SLB Geothermal Power and Kerry Rohrmeier of Ormat Technology provided unique insights on the business and technological fronts of advancing geothermal energy.
The discussion delved into the critical role of policymakers in overcoming challenges the industry faces, such as land access, permitting processes, and regulatory barriers. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the federal government’s potential to remove obstacles to geothermal technologies and foster an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
The mission of CRES Academy is to inform Republican congressional staff about conservative clean energy and climate priorities. By fostering the development of future congressional experts in clean energy, CRES Forum plays a vital role in advancing the conservative climate agenda.