IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference tackles drilling challenges as geothermal scales; 17-18 November

More than 150 professionals from the geothermal and oil & gas sectors, representing more than 20 countries, are expected to attend the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Geothermal Drilling 2026 Conference & Exhibition, taking place 17-18 November 2026 at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Geothermal energy is emerging as an increasingly important component of the global energy mix, tapping into underground thermal resources to provide reliable heat and power. As geothermal development expands, the industry faces the challenge of delivering wells safely, efficiently and economically at increasing scale.

The IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference & Exhibition brings together professionals from the geothermal, oil & gas, drilling, engineering, technology and energy sectors to address these challenges and explore the opportunities ahead.

The 2026 conference will focus on Geothermal Upstream, covering subsurface, drilling, production, completions, well integrity, regulation and associated technologies. Participants will gain insights into business and ownership models, contracting and procurement strategies, supply-chain requirements and the technologies needed to accelerate geothermal development.

The program features a range of leading industry experts. Key presentations include a keynote from Claus Hemmingsen, Chairperson of the Board at Innargi, a Geothermal Market Outlook from Henning Bjørvik, Partner and Head of Renewables Research at Rystad Energy, and a featured presentation on the challenges of super-hot-rock (SHR) geothermal by Bruce Gatherer, Business Development and Drilling Advisor at Iceland Drilling.

The conference will also examine how lessons and technologies from the oil & gas industry can be applied to geothermal development, while addressing the unique requirements of geothermal wells and reservoirs.

A dedicated Well Design session will explore topics including robust well design in low-margin environments, the applicability of oil & gas integrity standards to European geothermal wells, and innovative approaches to managing drilling challenges in fractured, high-temperature reservoirs.

The program will also examine the rapidly developing relationship between geothermal energy and the growth of artificial intelligence and data-center infrastructure. A presentation by Dani Merino-Garcia, Vice President Research at Project InnerSpace, will explore the potential for geothermal to provide reliable, dispatchable power for the expanding AI economy.

Urban geothermal development will be another important theme. Timo Trauth, Business Development Manager at Herrenknecht Vertical, will present the CityRig 500t and discuss how new drilling technologies can enable geothermal projects in densely populated urban environments. The presentation will highlight the challenges of urban drilling and the innovations designed to improve efficiency, safety, logistics and public acceptance.

The second day will also feature case studies addressing the development of long geothermal laterals, heat-loss reduction and project economics, as well as the development of some of the world’s deepest geothermal wells.

Regulation and permitting will form another important part of the program. The conference will examine how permitting requirements, environmental reviews, overlapping approvals and interagency coordination can influence project timelines and costs, and consider how regulatory frameworks can evolve to support responsible geothermal deployment.

The conference will showcase technologies with the potential to transform geothermal drilling and the wider energy sector. IADC’s experience in developing definitions, guidelines and standards for the petroleum upstream sector positions the organization to contribute to the development of common terminology, standards and best practices for the rapidly evolving geothermal industry.

The 2026 program brings together expertise from organizations including Iceland Drilling, Innargi, Rystad Energy, H&P, Apex Wells, Project InnerSpace, Herrenknecht Vertical, Green Therma, NOV, Fervo Energy and other leading companies and organizations across the geothermal and upstream energy sectors.

The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates to exchange technical knowledge, explore emerging technologies, develop business relationships and discuss the practical challenges involved in scaling geothermal energy.

Join the IADC Geothermal Drilling 2026 Conference & Exhibition in Copenhagen to explore the latest developments in geothermal upstream operations and the technologies, standards, business models and regulatory frameworks needed to accelerate the industry.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of geothermal drilling and its role in the global energy transition.

For program details, registration, exhibition and sponsor opportunities, visit the IADC Geothermal Drilling 2026 Conference & Exhibition.

Source: Email correspondence