Commercial use of geothermal power has been in operation since 1913, but the sector has largely remained within a niche market. Despite its transformative potential for the energy landscape, geothermal power is still a minor entity in the current energy mix due to various social, economic, and technological obstacles hampering its growth. However, the entrance of new industry players, the rise of public-private partnerships, and growing awareness of climate change may potentially catalyse a transformation akin to that driven by the shale industry.

Oil and gas companies are increasingly leveraging their existing infrastructure, financial resources, and engineering expertise to mitigate risks and accelerate the expansion of geothermal development. This includes pioneering advancements in advanced and engineered geothermal systems and the utilization of superhot dry rocks. The session explores the implications of these cutting-edge technologies and innovative trends for the geothermal sector while also examining the opportunities and challenges involved in integrating these technologies to support sustainable and economically viable geothermal projects.