Unlocking the Potential of NextGen Geothermal Energy in California

California stands at a clean energy crossroads. To achieve 100 percent clean electricity by 2045 — as required by law — the state will of course need more wind, solar, and battery storage, but that’s not all. Next-generation geothermal energy is a compelling, 24/7/365, clean energy source that can support the electrical grid around the clock. However, deploying this resource with appropriate social and environmental safeguards in California requires navigating a complex web of technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles.

Recent technological advances mean geothermal development is no longer limited to hydrothermal hotspots. Geothermal development also promises massive economic opportunities, including high quality jobs for former oil and gas workers.

This webinar brings together state leaders, policy analysts, and other stakeholders to explore how California can unlock the potential of next-generation geothermal to build a cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient electricity grid. Our discussion will cover how to navigate regulatory processes while upholding social and environmental standards, grid interconnection, and how to “de-risk” the exploration phase and attract institutional investment. After presentations, there will be time for Q&A.

Additional speakers to be announced.

Speakers

Noemí Gallardo

Attorney Member, California Energy Commission

Noemí Gallardo is serving her first term on the California Energy Commission. She was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in February 2023 to serve as the CEC’s attorney member. She is the first Latina appointed as a CEC commissioner. Gallardo joined the CEC in 2019 as its Public Advisor. She later became chief of staff for CEC Chair David Hochschild.

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Max Wilmarth

Chief Technology Officer, Kaishan Renewable Energy Development

Max Wilmarth is a geologist who has spent the last 20+ years working in geothermal exploration, development, and operations across six continents. His career has ranged from field geology and early-stage exploration to executive leadership roles overseeing technical teams, resource strategy, drilling support, and development decisions for geothermal projects around the world. He currently serves as Chief Technology Officer of Kaishan Renewable Energy Development, the parent company of Open Mountain Energy in the U.S. and KS Orka in Indonesia.

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Ann Garth

Policy Manager, Clean Air Task Force

Ann Garth is the Policy Manager for the Superhot Rock Geothermal program at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). She develops and advocates for policies to promote next-generation geothermal, including superhot rock geothermal – working towards efficient, safe, and widespread adoption of this transformational energy source. Her work includes initiatives at the U.S. federal and state levels, and she also leads CATF’s research into the social science of geothermal energy.

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Woody Hastings (Moderator)

Phase Out Polluting Fuels Program Director

Woody Hastings is an energy and environmental policy analyst, strategic planner, and community organizer with over thirty years of experience in the non-profit, governmental, and private sectors.  Woody has been with The Climate Center since 2010 when he was hired to help lead the formation of what became California’s second Community Choice Agency (CCA), Sonoma Clean Power (SCP). After the launch of SCP Woody worked to expand CCA in other parts of California.

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