Geothermal Energy: How Chambers Can Build the Workforce to Win Investment in this High Growth Energy Vertical

While Congress’ recent Budget Bill made many changes to clean energy policy and reductions to associated tax credits, federal economic development support for geothermal remains relatively strong, and the path for sunsetting tax credits is on a much later timeline. According to Canary Media, technologies such as nuclear, geothermal and hydropower can claim the 45Y and 48E tax credits as long as they begin construction by 2033. (here is snapshot of tax credits as of July, 2025)

But first…what is geothermal energy? Simply put, geothermal energy harnesses heat derived by drilling underground—a reliable, renewable energy source. It can be used to heat buildings, generate electricity through power plants, or power a home’s heat pump. 

Historically, geothermal plants have generated less than 1% of the U.S. electricity mix due to the fact that conventional plants were only viable where the heat is easier to reach - primarily in the western United States.  However, this has changed.  New drilling tools and techniques are emerging that make it possible to put geothermal plants in many more parts of the country.

Fervo is one example of a company leading the way in U.S. geothermal production. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) recently spoke with Fervo about the growth in their business and specifically the workforce skills needed to meet this growth.  

Tule Horton, Fervo’s manager for workforce and skills training, shared that the skills gap between geothermal drilling and fossil fuel drilling is only about five percent—meaning that workers in oil and gas already have most of the necessary skills to transition. For communities with oil and gas workers, this creates a clear economic opportunity to retain skilled labor and attract new energy investments.  

One key factor that attracts potential employees to Fervo is long-term, stable employment at its sites.  Unlike oil and gas workers, who often move from state to state to stay employed, geothermal operations—like Fervo’s power plant in Utah, offer good-paying jobs at single sites that operate for ten years or more. Workers can build their careers while putting down roots in their communities, driving local spending and strengthening the tax base.

To address any remaining skills gaps, Fervo is investing directly in workforce development. The company recently started an apprenticeship program that enables employees to earn a salary while learning on the job.  The apprenticeship is supported by grants, totaling $16,000 per employee,  from the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the Ready Program. Fervo has also worked with both the Economic Development Corporation of Utah and Southern Utah University to operationalize workforce programs.

Chambers of commerce and economic development agencies have a pivotal role to play in making communities “investment ready” for geothermal and other growing clean energy sectors. Most states have an existing network of community colleges and universities already well-suited to deliver training in technology, electrical, and energy fields—programs that can be easily adapted to meet the needs of geothermal employers. Yet expanding and funding these programs often depends on smart state and federal policy—and local business support.  

When chambers and economic development groups strengthen local workforce pipelines and advocate for training investment, they position their communities as top contenders for clean energy investment.  The next time an energy company considers where to build its geothermal power plant, a community with a skilled workforce and proven training programs will have a clear advantage. Demonstrating workforce readiness can be the deciding factor for companies when choosing where to invest, bringing stable jobs, new tax revenue, and long-term economic growth.