Opening Plenary Session: Exploring the Geothermal Story

Join us as we kick-start the 2024 GRC with the morning’s Opening Plenary session. During this session, conference participants will learn from the Hawaiian community, hear from Geothermal Rising’s leadership, recognize the amazing accomplishments by members of the geothermal community, and explore the possibilities of geothermal! 

Program

Hawaiian Welcome – Uncle Danny Akaka Jr. 

Welcome to the 2024 GRC – Jericho Reyes, GR President of the Board, and Dr. Bryant Jones, GR Executive Director

Fireside Chat with Policy Leaders

Join these renowned policy leaders for a discussion that will explore the value that geothermal offers as well as solutions to societal, environmental, political and economic hurdles.  

• Robin Zuza, Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Moderator)
• Dr. Geri Richmond, Undersecretary for Science and Innovation at the Department of Energy (DOE)
• Ali Zaidi, White House Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor

Pitching Geothermal to Investors Ted Talk – Alex Helling, Baseload Capital 

Geothermal Pioneer Award Presentation - Jon Trujillo, BHE Renewables

Henry Ramey Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Award Presentation 

The Power of Communication in Scaling Geothermal Energy

This panel will explore how improved communication strategies can bridge the gap between geothermal energy's vast potential and the public’s limited awareness, helping the industry grow. A key focus will be the Declaration of Communication (DOC) initiative, which aims to unite stakeholders in amplifying geothermal’s message worldwide.

• Dr. Bryant Jones, Geothermal Rising (Moderator)
• Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, Fort Nelson Nation
• Marisol Collons, Ormat Technologies, Inc. 
• Patrick Hanson, VP, International Geothermal Association
• Kristina Ilievska, Baseload Capital
• Will Pettitt, Baker Hughes

GR Board Elections and Membership Renewal Update – Kerry Fellers, Geothermal Rising