Austin's energy scene is heating up with the inception of the HotRock Geothermal Research Consortium. This industry-funded group is now forging ahead on its mission to fill the gaps in the world of geothermal energy, with its first assembly hosted by the Bureau of Economic Geology in Texas' capital, according to ThinkGeoEnergy.

The consortium's kickoff gathering had notable attendees, including industry giants like Shell USA, SLB, and Chesapeake Energy. They convened to closely examine recent findings and blueprint their collective trajectory for geothermal development. Research across a spectrum of related subjects was put on the table, marking the launch as not merely ceremonial but abundantly productive.

Bringing together a broad band of perspectives, the two half-day sessions spotlighted state-of-the-art research outcomes, as per the Bureau of Economic Geology, showcasing HotRock's expanded capabilities and setting the stage for impactful collaborations in the field.

The air buzzed with optimism at the event, with company reps expressing their vested interests in HotRock's work. “Through a multidisciplinary approach,” Chesapeake Energy's Senior Staff Geologist and Geothermal Lead Ryan Sonntag stated, “the HotRock consortium is prioritizing research on the critical economic drivers to improve commercial competitiveness of next-gen geothermal while providing companies with valuable data and insights to make informed business decisions,” in a statement obtained by ThinkGeoEnergy.