Geothermal energy, created during the formation of the planet, is heat that comes from the rocks and fluids under the surface of the earth. Wells reach more than a mile underground to access steam and hot water reservoirs which then drive turbines.

The United States is the largest producer of geothermal energy in the world, according to Power Technology. A free online University of Illinois Extension webinar will examine the decarbonization of the energy section from commercial and residential heating. 

If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, email Nancy Esarey Ouedraogo at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

About the presenters

Scott Tess is the sustainability and resilience officer for Urbana. He supervises the commodities recycling program, co-manages the Landscape Recycling Center. He works with the Sustainability Advisory Commission to implement the city’s energy, water, and waste priorities. Tess manages and redeveloped the city’s closed landfill as a solar farm. Additionally, he leads Urbana's resilience efforts with a focus on continuity of operations and urban biodiversity.

Jane Sullivan is the grants and governmental affairs director for the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. She manages MTD’s state and federal grant funding, as well as its environmental sustainability efforts.

Peter Murphy works with community and industry professionals to develop the solar market throughout the Midwest. He helped launch the Milwaukee Solar Group Buys in 2013 as a community organizer in his former role with the Riverwest Public House Cooperative and the Riverwest Cooperative Alliance.