Geothermal experts gather to tackle industry challenges at IGSHPA 2025 conference
Experts within the geothermal sector convened at the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) 2025 Annual Conference to explore pressing challenges that the industry currently faces. This year’s discussions centred around key themes including workforce development, technical barriers, and obstacles to adoption, which the panel deemed critical areas requiring immediate attention in advancing geothermal technologies.
The panel session was moderated by Brock Yordy of The Driller and featured experienced professionals from various sectors of the geothermal industry. Present among the speakers were Terry Proffer, a geologist from Major Geothermal; Rod Rhoads, a project consultant at GDS Associates, Inc. and energy advisor with Ameren Illinois; Stacy Kinnaly, director of the Geothermal Drillers Association; and Dave Bowers, a drilling instructor at Local 150.
A significant topic addressed was the wide variance in drilling costs across regions. Bowers emphasized the need for flexible pricing models, stating, "Cost per foot is rough ... I can't go to Seattle and drill for the same cost per foot I can in Michigan." This statement underlined the necessity for the industry to adapt to geographical differences in drilling expenses. Additionally, Proffer highlighted a troubling gap between the design and practical implementation of geothermal systems, citing his observations at an ASHRAE conference where only a few engineers indicated familiarity with on-site inspections.
Structured training emerged as a pivotal point to facilitate growth within the industry. Bowers elaborated on Local 150's extensive 6,000-hour apprenticeship programme that includes targeted training and the attainment of CDL certification. As part of this programme, apprentices are assessed for proficiency before they begin working with contractors. Kinnaly spoke on the merits of collaboration, referencing the Geothermal Market Capacity Coalition, which aims to link various stakeholders such as industry players, manufacturers, academic institutions, and government bodies. She remarked, "We're better together," while highlighting the potential for ground source heat pumps to capture a larger market share, currently standing at just 1%, in comparison to the 13% market share of air source heat pumps.
Integrated solutions were also discussed, particularly the relationship between geothermal systems and solar installations as highlighted by Rhoads. He noted the importance of enhancing building efficiencies before the deployment of renewable energy solutions, stating, "If you're going to go solar, the one thing you want to do is get everything else in your building more efficient." Proffer added clarity to common misconceptions about geothermal systems, suggesting their efficiency likens them to a "diesel engine for residential space conditioning." However, he advised caution against unrealistic electrification ambitions, as natural gas solutions may still prove more practical in specific cases, such as large-scale snow melting systems.
The community-wide applications of geothermal technology took centre stage with Kinnaly referencing the innovative Framingham Project, which exemplifies how a gas utility's transition to a thermal utility can facilitate broad community engagement with the technology. She stated, "The fact that the gas utility was allowed to go ahead and transition to a thermal utility just opened up all sorts of doors."
The issue of diversity within the workforce was identified as another critical area for development. Bowers detailed efforts within Local 150 aimed at aligning workforce demographics with local communities. Despite some progress, he acknowledged challenges remain, stating, "We've hired an outreach person... their whole job is to go to minority communities." Kinnaly advocated for the establishment of new pathways into the drilling profession, particularly as traditional recruitment sources evolve.
Regulations impacting geothermal installations were also discussed, with Proffer noting substantial discrepancies across states. He compared California's intricate multi-agency regulations to Wyoming's recently introduced more stringent bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Rob Meyer, vice president of drilling operations for Talon/LPE, highlighted the necessity for balanced regulations, acknowledging that while groundwater protection and training are essential, over-regulation could stifle growth.
The session ended on a note of collaboration, pinpointing available training resources such as OEM staff programmes, regional utility initiatives, and industry organisations like NGWA and the Geothermal Drillers Association. Yordy summarised the essence of the discussion, focusing on the importance of collective action to access resources more effectively. Looking ahead, the panel underscored the critical need for funding in workforce training as monumental for future advancements in the industry. Bowers asserted, "The biggest impact we can have is to find a way to fund training," emphasising the industry's potential for growth, contingent on the resolution of workforce, standardisation, and educational challenges.