The future of geothermal energy may depend on fossil fuel workers

Oil and gas workers find an easy segue into geothermal jobs

This story was originally published by Grist . Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter . Mike Fleming was always interested in geothermal energy — how it works, how sustainable it is, and how efficiently it can heat homes and businesses. But Fleming, who has a decade of experience drilling wells in New England,…

The future of geothermal energy may depend on fossil fuel workers

Mike Fleming was always interested in geothermal energy — how it works, how sustainable it is, and how efficiently it can heat homes and businesses. But Fleming, who has a decade of experience drilling wells in New England, didn’t see it as a career path.  That changed when his boss recommended him for a position at Phoenix Foundation Company in late 2024. Part of the job involved overseeing drilling for geothermal projects. There were some diff…