This session examines the financial drivers and commercial frameworks governing geothermal development. The discussion will address capital intensity, operating cost structures, risk-return dynamics, core valuation parameters, and the progression from exploration through long-term asset performance.

Featuring Rob Klenner, President & CEO of GreenFire Energy, and Graham Bain, Principal Analyst with Enverus Intelligence® Research.

Drilling is among the most capital-intensive phases of geothermal development. This session examines the operational realities of well construction across low-enthalpy resources, high-temperature systems, and extreme thermal gradients, with emphasis on the engineering decisions needed to design and drill for each environment.

Eric van Oort is a professor at The University of Texas at Austin and directs the RAPID industry consortium for drilling and construction of oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon storage wells. Before joining UT Austin in 2012, he spent 20 years with Shell. He has coauthored more than 250 technical papers, holds 22 patents, and is a former SPE Distinguished Lecturer, SPE Distinguished Member, and recipient of major SPE and AIME technical awards.

This opening webinar launches the SPE DSEATS Geothermal Learn-to-Launch Initiative 2026, focused on geothermal learning and how an idea can be scaled into a business.

Roland N. Horne is the Thomas Davis Barrow Professor of Earth Sciences and Professor of Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford Geothermal Program. He previously chaired Stanford's Department of Petroleum Engineering, served as President of the International Geothermal Association, and chaired the technical program for multiple World Geothermal Congresses. He is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering and an Honorary Member of SPE.