The geothermal industry is set to converge on Saratoga Springs this April for a landmark event that blends policy, innovation, and workforce development in a way that could define the future of clean energy. 

In Episode 146 of The Driller Newscast, host Brock Yordy sits down with NY-GEO Executive Director Christine Hoffer for an inside look at what’s coming up at the 2024 New York Geothermal Energy Organization Conference. They dive into all the details, from field demos to big-picture goals—giving listeners a firsthand preview of this can't-miss event.

Kicking off on Earth Day, April 22, the event starts strong with a live drilling demo and student-focused field day at the BOCES Trade School. It’s a hands-on, high-energy way to get the next generation excited about geothermal. Over 200 students from across the Capital Region—studying everything from heavy equipment to HVAC and environmental science—will get to see up close how geothermal systems are drilled, installed, and tested. It's all about sparking interest and showing them the real-world impact of this growing industry.

“Our goal is to spark curiosity, to show students what’s possible when you combine clean energy with skilled trades,” said Hoffer. “This is about workforce development at its roots.”

Two drillers—Hawk and Rosa—will be demonstrating borehole creation techniques, joined by equipment and monitoring specialists offering live demonstrations of loop fusion, thermal connectivity testing, and drift monitoring, thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey and private partners like Brightcore Energy. Yordy himself will lead hands-on sessions on drilling fluids, geologic response, and testing techniques. 

(You can watch/listen to this full clip starting at the 5:09 above)

This immersive experience underscores a broader mission: to build a trained, passionate workforce prepared to scale geothermal deployment to meet New York State’s climate goals—8 million buildings converted by 2030 and 36 million by 2050.

Following the field day, April 23–24 brings the formal NY-GEO conference to the Saratoga Springs City Center, relocated from Albany due to the event’s rapid growth. The new venue allows for larger exhibits, heavier equipment displays, and broader networking opportunities. “We simply outgrew Albany,” said Hoffer. “Saratoga gives us space to breathe, and to showcase the scale of this industry.”

The two-day conference features over 30 sessions across six tracks, from policy to design to field operations. Attendees can also take part in geothermal site tours, each tailored to different segments—from residential retrofits to campus-wide thermal networks.

Keynote speakers include Congressman Paul Tonko, one of only six engineers in Congress and a long-time supporter of clean energy policy, and Jamie, a representative from the Massachusetts Public Service Commission, reinforcing the critical Northeast collaboration driving the geothermal movement forward.

New York’s momentum isn’t happening in a vacuum. NYSERDA, the state’s energy research and development agency, continues to fund and support initiatives to scale geothermal deployment. Recent legislation like the 500-foot rule now allows geothermal installations in urban and landlocked environments, removing long standing barriers.

A pending increase in New York’s geothermal tax credit—from $5,000 to $10,000—is also in the legislative pipeline, thanks to relentless advocacy by NY-GEO and its partners.

“We’ve got federal incentives through 2032. We’ve got local policy. What we need now is people—and training,” said Yordy. “This event is about more than tech. It’s about connection and commitment.”

The 2024 conference arrives at a pivotal time. With alarming new climate forecasts suggesting global temperatures could rise 3°C by 2100 if decisive action isn’t taken, events like NY-GEO are no longer optional—they're essential.

“There’s no Planet B,” said Hoffer. “This is about real solutions. Drillers, engineers, policymakers—we all have a role to play.”

Registration for NY-GEO 2024 is open now, and both Hoffer and Yordy urge professionals across the geothermal spectrum—from contractors to designers to financiers—to attend.

“If you care about the future of clean heating and cooling, this is your conference,” said Yordy. “Join us on Earth Day, April 22, and stay for two days of deep learning, collaboration, and innovation.”

Make sure to click the video play button at the top of this page to watch the full conversation! 

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