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Exploring the Potential of Geothermal: A Panel on Technology, Policy, and Careers

The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society hosted its fall 2024 Class of 1972 Lecture on the exciting possibilities of geothermal energy, in the world and on campus, in October. 

  • Three people looking at and responding (with interest) to a woman gesturing to emphasize her point

    The Future of Geothermal Energy panelists L-R: Roger Wakeman, VP, Facilities and Energy at Dartmouth; Sarah Jewett ’12, TH’13, Vice President, Strategy at Fervo Energy; Andrew McAllister ’87, Commissioner, California Energy Commission; Rosi Kerr ’97, Director, Dartmouth Sustainability. Photo credit: Beam Lertbunnaphongs ’25.

On Thursday October 10, over 150 attendees joined in-person and online for an engaging discussion titled The Future of Geothermal Energy, sponsored by the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society and the Class of 1972 Endowed Lecture Series on Great Issues in Energy, Climate, and Society. The event covered a range of topics, including advancements in technology, policy implications, and career pathways in the energy transition. If you missed it, you can watch the full video on YouTube.

The panel featured:

  • Sarah Jewett '12, TH'13, Vice President of Strategy at Fervo Energy. Sarah's career has spanned renewable energy and hydraulic fracturing, and she now uses hydraulic fracturing technology to advance clean, firm, enhanced geothermal energy solutions.
  • Andrew McAllister '87, Commissioner at the California Energy Commission, which manages the state's energy policy planning and forecasting. Andrew works to develop an electricity system that will serve as the foundation for decarbonizing California, the world's 5th largest economy.
  • Rosi Kerr '97, Director Dartmouth Sustainability. Inspired by an expedition to the high Arctic, Rosi has dedicated her career to sustainability and clean energy. She helps lead Dartmouth's campus decarbonization efforts, including the selection of geoexchange systems for baseload heating and cooling.
  • Roger Wakeman, Vice President of Facilities and Energy at Dartmouth. Roger oversees the campus's $500 million commitment to decarbonization over the next five years, targeting a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

"It was excellent — not just the topic but the great way the speakers complemented each other and were so articulate. The moderator was excellent too. I've attended a great many similar panels over the years and my companion and I both agreed this was absolutely top notch." – Hanover Community Member

Learn More About Enhanced Geothermal Energy