2026 GRC Panel - Connecting Geothermal to Data Centers: Practical Pathways to Integrate Geothermal Power in the AI Boom
Wednesday, September 23
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 6A: Panel - Connecting Geothermal to Data Centers: Practical Pathways to Integrate Geothermal Power in the AI Boom
This panel will explore opportunities for geothermal applications to support surging data center energy demands and examine how geothermal energy can be successfully integrated into data center developments. The discussion will address synergies and friction within the stakeholder ecosystem, project delivery models—including financial and legal considerations—and key development and design considerations across subsurface, surface, and data center infrastructure required to bring geothermal power projects from concept to operation. Key consideration will be given to both behind-the-meter configurations, where geothermal assets are co-located with and directly supply the data center, and front-of-the-meter approaches, where geothermal generation is developed as grid-connected infrastructure supporting the facility through power purchase agreements or utility supply.
Moderator: Laura Chiaramonte, EPRI
Panelists:
- Cory Draper, GreenFire Energy
- Cheryl Lim, Arup