Speakers
Education Session
Geothermal energy is entering a new phase of commercial growth as demand increases for firm, domestic, 24/7 power. Backed by bipartisan support at the federal level and expanding engagement across multiple states, geothermal development is accelerating in both traditional and emerging markets.
This session will provide a comprehensive industry-wide update on the geothermal landscape in 2026, including market trends, investment drivers, leasing activity, and the evolving policy environment. It will also review recent technology advancements and drilling innovations that are expanding where and how geothermal can be deployed.
As geothermal activity grows across the West and beyond, land and resource professionals are increasingly encountering geothermal alongside other subsurface industries. This session will equip attendees with a clear understanding of where the industry is headed, why momentum is building, and how geothermal is becoming an increasingly relevant part of the broader resource development landscape.
Vanessa received her master’s in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and has over 13 years of experience in energy, education, and nonprofit leadership. She has worked across the public and private sectors to advance pragmatic, bipartisan energy solutions grounded in data, stakeholder collaboration, and responsible resource development.
Over the past year, Vanessa has focused on advancing geothermal energy policy at the state, local, and federal levels—coordinating cross-sector engagement, supporting policymakers with technical and market insights, and building coalitions among industry, Tribal governments, agencies, and community partners to accelerate responsible geothermal deployment. She also leads national education and outreach initiatives, including workforce development programs, student mentorship and scholarship efforts, and regional geothermal education events designed to strengthen the talent pipeline and broaden industry participation across the United States.