The term ‘geothermal energy’ is appearing in news headlines and press releases with greater and greater frequency as nations around the world race to open doors for renewable resources. The good news: the geothermal industry is rife with innovation and real-time developments. The bad news? Conversations about the industry don’t often reach beyond the borders of the energy world. But entrepreneurial writer Yasmeen Naseer is trying to change that. With a multi-part series in the works, Naseer has used her first four articles in the series to break those niche barriers and inform the general public about the exciting and promising new developments in the world of next-generation geothermal.

A recent report released by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs reveals how Texan poll respondents feel about renewable and traditional energy sources in the state. The poll included questions about conventional oil and gas, as well as the emerging industries of solar, wind, nuclear, and geothermal, and aimed to gauge how Texan’s see their role in the evolving energy sector following more than 20 years of grid instability. Well-known for being a ‘red’ republican state, the polls showed – what some may consider surprisingly – positive attitudes toward expanding renewable energy sources, with 64% in favour of solar expansion, 57% supporting wind farm and hydroelectric dam growth, 42% in favour of increasing nuclear plants, and 59% supporting geothermal expansion.

The Caribbean Development Bank allocated $17 million for the development of a geothermal project on the island of Nevis, according to an article by leading geothermal news source ThinkGeoEnergy.com. In early December, the Bank approved the multi-million dollar grant as the project advanced to the drilling stage. With up to three wells to be drilled, the project’s end goal is a renewable power plant with an output of 10 megawatts. The island’s population totals around12,000, with an energy demand that would be more than met by the geothermal plant in development. Nevis and its neighboring island of St. Kitts make up just one of many Leeward island nations in the Lesser Antilles, and currently generate electricity through the combustion of imported diesel.

The University of Calgary is training the next wave of green energy leaders in Alberta, one of the world’s leading oil and gas hubs. Enrolled in the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) program at the U of C, post-graduate students participate in classes to understand real-world dilemmas in the energy industry, and research projects geared toward creating new and innovative solutions for a green future. Dr. Irene Herremans, Ph.D., is the program’s capstone research course professor. U of C’s article by David Hedley, detailing the program and student project quoted her, saying: “the capstone research course is a microcosm of what we need to do on a larger scale to mobilize the effort and knowledge as we make our way on our sustainability journey.” Companies like Pipestone Energy Corp., who are looking for ways to meet emissions reduction targets, can partner with the program for in-depth research into the viability of solutions like solar integration. SEDV student Nikhitha Gajudhur dove deep into a cost, benefit, and design analysis and concluded a 5-acre solar farm could generate over half of the organization’s annual energy consumption and reduce CO2 output by over 1000 tonnes.

2022 proved to be a fruitful year for European venture capital funds, according to an article by Amy Lewin and Sadia Nowshin of Sifted.eu. Last year, more than €23.3 billion was raised by both established and up-and-coming venture capitalists. Unsurprisingly (but nonetheless encouraging), funds and firms are eyeing climate tech projects and start-ups as promising and politically prioritized investments. The European Union has committed to reducing emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by the end of the decade, and becoming the world’s first net-zero continent by 2050. Other European nations outside the EU have their own climate goals, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, and Norway. These commitments spell more than just positive change for the environment. For venture capitalists, they signal the start of a new global industry in need of financing now, with the potential for exponential returns in the future.

Non-profit green energy think-tank Geothermal Rising appointed Bryant Jones as the new Executive Director on Tuesday, February 14th in a press release published on their website. Jones has studied the intersection of science and technology, policy, and energy transition over the last 5 years. His fifteen years of political experience gave him special insight into how advocacy groups influence the creation of industry narratives and boundaries, and subsequently, shape emerging relevant policies and regulations, a topic he explored during his 7 years at Boise State University. “I am excited to be part of a community that has the solutions we need to avert and drawdown the climate crisis while simultaneously transitioning the hydrocarbon workforce, skills and knowledge into the clean energy economy,” said Bryant.