Advanced Geothermal in California: Clean, Reliable Energy for All
The Clean Coalition is a partner organization for this webinar, which takes place on 28 August 2025 at 10am.
The Climate Center believes in thriving, healthy communities. They envision a future where everyone in California enjoys clean air and water, renewable and reliable energy, healthy food, and abundant nature. California has the tools and the know-how to make this vision a reality if our elected leaders summon the political will. It is time we put people back at the heart of policy. In doing so, we can keep our friends and loved ones safe from worsening climate disasters, create millions of family-sustaining jobs, and give everyone the chance to thrive in the clean energy economy.
Webinar: Advanced Geothermal in California: Clean, Reliable Energy for All
Tuesday, 28 August 2025 at 10am to 11:30am PST
Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth to generate electricity. Conventional geothermal has been around for about 120 years and produces about one-tenth of the carbon dioxide emissions that a gas power plant produces. Geothermal plants can operate around the clock and this resource will last for billions of years. However, until recently, geothermal energy development has been limited to locations where very hot rock and water are relatively near the Earth’s surface.
California is home to the largest geothermal energy field in the world, The Geysers, straddling Sonoma and Lake Counties in the Mayacamas Mountains. But recent technology advances are making it likely that, within a few years, generating geothermal power will be possible just about anywhere.
Pilot projects using these new advances in geothermal have already begun. For example, the Community Choice Agency Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) is piloting several next-generation geothermal technologies, collectively known as “NextGen” or Advanced Geothermal Energy Systems (AGES). Many of the skills required for AGES — such as drilling, pipefitting, and electrical work — are the same skills that oil and gas workers are trained in. Advanced geothermal may present new career opportunities for former oil and gas workers in a just transition away from fossil fuels.
As AGES projects are developed, policymakers must engage local communities in decision-making and ensure that they benefit from these projects.
Join us to hear from policy leaders, industry experts, and labor union representatives about the many challenges and opportunities with the emergence of Advanced Geothermal Energy Systems.
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Featured Speakers
Assemblymember Diane Papan
Diane Papan represents the 21st California State Assembly District, which includes the entire Bayside of San Mateo County from Brisbane to East Palo Alto. Papan serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife and serves on the Committees on Transportation and Governmental Organization & Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.
Claudia Sisomphou
Claudia Sisomphou is the Public Affairs and Advocacy Manager for Sonoma Clean Power. Her responsibilities include leading the agency’s Empower initiative, building community relationships and coalitions, assisting with policy advocacy in Sacramento, and supporting stakeholder education and engagement, particularly around SCP’s Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone) and local resource development efforts.
Neil Ethier
Neil Ethier is Vice President of Origination based out of the Calgary office. His responsibility is to oversee a talented group of business development professionals globally. Neil has been at Eavor since 2020, where he has held various roles in both Corporate and Business Development. Prior to Eavor, Neil spent 20 years as a geophysicist in the oil and gas sector. He has global expertise in strategic business development, with a technical focus. He brings an enhanced intercultural perspective, honed from living on three continents and analyzing and evaluating assets in over 50 countries and 100 basins.
Chris Snyder
Chris Snyder is the Political Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3. Chris has over 25 years of experience as a professional and worker in occupations such as dredge and marine construction deckhand and crane operator. Chris’s public service includes serving as a Director for the Golden Gate Bridge Highway Transportation District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University East Bay and is a graduate of the Harvard Law School Labor & Worklife Program Graduate.