(Oklahoma City, March 5, 2025) — The Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University recently hosted a geothermal roundtable, bringing together top industry experts, policymakers and investors to explore geothermal’s role, along with liquefied natural gas and nuclear, in providing baseload power in the U.S.
The event marks the first in a series of roundtable discussions aimed at proposing solutions and recommendations in response to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s challenge for energy leadership.
The roundtable focused on the importance of next-generation geothermal energy as a key component of baseload power generation, its role in enhancing grid resilience, and its potential to meet growing energy demands of data centers. Participants also examined regulatory frameworks, support strategies and financial mechanisms to accelerate geothermal development.
Dr. Ann Bluntzer Pullin, executive director of the Hamm Institute for American Energy, highlighted geothermal’s potential as a stable, reliable energy source.
“I’m encouraged that the Department of Energy has recognized natural gas, geothermal, and nuclear as priorities. Geothermal has the potential to be another source of reliable energy and can be a tremendous asset to American economic security,” said Bluntzer Pullin. “Particularly as they can leverage the oil and natural gas industry’s innovative drilling practices, technology, and skilled workforce.”
She also emphasized the critical intersection of geothermal energy, technology and artificial intelligence.
“Having representatives from tech industries, like Nvidia, at the table today is critical,” she said. “Advancements in artificial intelligence and computing are directly reliant on our ability to deliver more reliable and affordable energy. Exploring new technologies, like next generation geothermal, alongside other dependable energy sources is essential to advancing technology in the U.S.”
More than 50 top industry leaders participated in the roundtable, including executives from leading energy companies, academia, investment firms and government. Notable attendees included:
- Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma
- Devon Energy CEO Rick Muncrief
- Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer
- J.P. Morgan Vice Chairman Michael Johnson
- Nvidia Director of Energy, Science and AI Infrastructure Policy Levi Patterson
AI & Energy: A Tech Perspective
Patterson explained a perspective from the tech industry on energy.
“Electricity load growth is being driven by increased manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other expanding sectors. This is a critical issue as many emerging industries — such as biotechnology, quantum computing, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing — will all require reliable energy,” he said.
Patterson also highlighted AI’s role in accelerating the deployment of advanced energy resources, including geothermal energy.
Geothermal’s Future as a Scalable Energy Solution
According to J.P. Morgan research, geothermal energy has the potential to become a major contributor to the global energy mix, offering a stable, constant power source. Geothermal provides baseload energy, generating electricity continuously, regardless of weather conditions. Next-generation geothermal technology is expanding access beyond traditional hotspots, making it a more scalable and investment-worthy solution.
As demand for energy grows — particularly from data centers and AI-driven industries — geothermal energy presents an opportunity to deliver reliable, always-on power to meet growing needs.
Following the roundtable discussion, participants toured the Hamm Institute’s state-of-the-art laboratory, including a unique geothermal test well, showcasing real-world applications of geothermal technology.
Future Energy Roundtables
The Hamm Institute’s Geothermal Roundtable marks the beginning of a broader initiative to foster collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. Future discussions will continue to focus on advancing energy solutions, including natural gas, to strengthen American energy independence and leadership.
About the Hamm Institute for American Energy
The Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University is dedicated to advancing energy research, policy, and leadership. Through collaboration with industry experts, government leaders, and academia, the Hamm Institute seeks to meet humanity’s growing energy needs through affordable, reliable, and abundant energy. By championing American energy innovation, the Hamm Institute seeks to safeguard U.S. national security and support global energy stability.
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