Next Generation Geothermal: The Technologies Driving the Momentum (Pt 1)

Next Generation Geothermal: The Technologies Driving the Momentum (Pt 1)

Author: Environmental Law Institute July 15, 2026 Duration: 25:51

Geothermal energy is having a moment. As demand for reliable, always-on power grows alongside data centers and electrification, new drilling technologies are unlocking geothermal's potential far beyond its traditional strongholds in California, Nevada, and Iceland. In part one of this two-part series, host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with Tom Lutken, science fellow at the Environmental Law Institute, for a primer on how geothermal energy actually works — and what's changing.

We break down the science behind geothermal electricity generation, the difference between direct-use applications and power generation, and next-generation technologies like enhanced geothermal systems, advanced geothermal systems, and super-hot rock geothermal that are expanding where geothermal can be developed. The conversation also covers drilling costs, potential risks, and innovative approaches aimed at solving geothermal's biggest cost barrier.

The episode closes with a preview of the regulatory landscape shaping geothermal's growth with Susannah Dibble, staff attorney at ELI. From the decades-old Geothermal Steam Act to the state-level legislation now playing catch-up with the technology, we highlight some of the major financing, legal, and policy questions surrounding geothermal that merit further analysis. The second part of this series digs deeper into these issues with a full panel of experts.

For more information, see ELI's webinars on The Future of Geothermal:

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Produced by the Environmental Law Institute, People Places Planet is a conversation grounded in the practical realities of environmental stewardship. This podcast moves beyond abstract theory to explore how laws, policies, and innovative governance models are actively applied. Each episode features discussions with practitioners, scientists, legal experts, and community leaders who are directly engaged in crafting and implementing solutions. You’ll hear nuanced analysis on the intersection of business, regulation, and education, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than just identifying problems. The dialogue consistently centers on how complex frameworks operate in the real world, affecting specific communities, ecosystems, and industries. Listening provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive environmental progress and the challenges that arise at the intersection of human activity and planetary health. It’s an essential resource for anyone curious about the foundational rules and creative strategies shaping our relationship with the environment, offering clarity on the legal and policy threads woven through every environmental issue. Tune in for thoughtful, expert-driven perspectives that connect the dots between policy texts and their impact on the ground.
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