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SPE Forum: Unlocking the Earth - Future-Forward Strategies for Scalable Geothermal
8–11 December 2026  |  Galveston, Texas

Forum

Unlocking the Earth -
Future-Forward Strategies
for Scalable Geothermal

8–11 December 2026  |  Galveston, Texas

Geothermal energy is entering a decade of unprecedented opportunity and urgency. Once a niche contributor to regional power grids and greenhouse heating networks, it is now emerging as a viable global player in the clean energy mix. From the western United States to Europe’s agricultural basins, from New Zealand’s geothermal fields to Asia’s Ring of Fire, new technologies, regulatory momentum, and a push for decarbonization are redefining what geothermal can achieve. 

Held in the United States but designed with a global lens, this forum explores how geothermal energy, both for power generation and direct use, can scale safely, efficiently, and commercially over the next 5 to 10 years. Participants will examine cross-border innovations, international studies, and technology transfer opportunities critical for future growth. 

With the U.S. Department of Energy projecting geothermal could supply over 8% of national electricity demand by 2050, and with similar ambitions emerging across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, and direct-use geothermal poised to decarbonize a much larger share of global heating and cooling demand, this is a pivotal moment for the industry. From low-enthalpy geothermal systems beneath urban campuses to medium-depth heating networks and off-grid applications, geothermal’s versatility across temperature ranges and sectors is gaining recognition. The forum invites scientists, engineers, regulators, financiers, and developers from around the world to exchange knowledge, debate challenges, and chart a common forward-looking path. 

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ℹ️ A written summary will be prepared and distributed to participants after the forum at the discretion of the steering committee and SPE approval. 

WHY ATTEND?

This is not a retrospective conference - it’s a blueprint-building forum. Whether from Houston or Hanover, Jakarta or Reykjavik, geothermal professionals will benefit from deep dives into emerging technologies, market drivers, and collaborative frameworks. If the geothermal sector is to truly unlock the Earth’s potential, it will take global insight, coordinated innovation, and bold action. 

Join us to shape the next decade of geothermal energy—together. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Geothermal developers, oil & gas technical staff transitioning to renewables, geoscientists, reservoir engineers, production engineers, drilling and completions experts, data scientists, surface facility designers, policymakers, academia and potentially financiers looking for investable energy technologies.  

WHY THIS FORUM MATTERS?

Geothermal’s breakthrough decade is here, but only if we confront its structural and technical limits with bold innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and engineering integrity. This forum is not about showcasing marginal tweaks; it’s about envisioning and enabling the scalable geothermal systems of the future. 

Be part of the team that defines geothermal in 2035. 

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The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the energy industry and empowering professionals.

Revenue from this event supports SPE initiatives that drive professional growth, foster community, and deliver innovative solutions. By attending, sponsoring, or exhibiting at an SPE event, you help fund impactful programs such as JPT, certification, the Distinguished Lecturer Program, and Energy4me®, our energy education initiative. Together, we are advancing careers, building connections, and shaping the future of energy.

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