University of Arizona Assessing Workforce Readiness for Future Geothermal Energy Development in Arizona

Arizona possesses significant geothermal resource potential yet currently has no commercial geothermal power generation. As interest in geothermal energy continues to grow across the western United States, a new study from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management will investigate the workforce, skills and training capacity needed to support future geothermal development in Arizona.

The workforce assessment complements ongoing efforts led by the Arizona Geological Survey, the Governor's Office and industry partners to better understand Arizona's geothermal resources, evaluate the state's development potential and prepare for future investment.

The Economic Business and Research Center, housed within Eller, will examine employment trends, occupational requirements, wages and workforce characteristics associated with geothermal energy development and related industries. The study will also evaluate transferable skills within Arizona's existing utilities, mining, construction, engineering and power-generation sectors that could support future geothermal projects. 

Researchers will also review education and training programs in Arizona and neighboring states to provide a high-level overview of existing workforce-development capacity. The Mining and Earth Resources Innovation Institute will support this effort by facilitating coordination between universities, private sectors, and government agencies.

"Arizona possesses significant geothermal resource potential, but geologic resources alone are insufficient to establish a thriving geothermal industry," said Brian Gootee, director and state geologist of the Arizona Geological Survey. "Developing a skilled workforce through targeted education, technical training and industry partnerships will position Arizona to compete for future investment and ensure the state is prepared as geothermal development continues to expand across the western United States."

The Arizona Geological Survey will support the effort through technical advisory services, geothermal resource expertise and industry engagement. As a unit within the College of Science, the Geological Survey will connect with geothermal developers and industry stakeholders to better understand hiring needs, training preferences and emerging skill requirements. Geothermal resource information developed by the Geological Survey will help provide context for the workforce assessment and support evaluation of Arizona's long-term geothermal development potential.

"Understanding the workforce is an important part of preparing for future economic opportunities," said Jennifer Pullen, executive director of the Economic and Business Research. "This study will identify Arizona's existing workforce strengths, highlight opportunities to strengthen education and training, and provide information that can help policymakers, educators, and industry leaders prepare for future geothermal development."

The project will utilize publicly available federal workforce and labor-market datasets, occupational skills information and peer-state comparisons to establish a baseline assessment that can support future workforce planning, economic-development initiatives and funding opportunities related to geothermal energy development. Deliverables will include a workforce data file, occupational skills and transferable skills assessment, written report and public-facing summary of key findings.

As Arizona continues to explore opportunities for reliable, domestic and carbon-free energy resources, the study will help inform discussions among policymakers, educators, workforce organizations, industry stakeholders and community leaders regarding the workforce needed to support a growing geothermal energy sector.

"Preparing Arizona for emerging energy industries requires collaboration across disciplines," said Bob Bodnar, executive director for the Mining and Earth Resources Innovation (MINERVA) Institute within the Office of Research and Partnerships. "By bringing together expertise in geology, economics, workforce development, public policy and industry engagement, the university is helping build the knowledge needed to support Arizona's long-term energy and economic future."

About the Arizona Geological Survey

The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS), a unit of the University of Arizona’s College of Science, serves as the state's official geoscience organization. AZGS collects, interprets, and disseminates geologic information to inform decisions related to Arizona's energy resources, mineral resources, groundwater, geologic hazards, and land management.

About the Economic and Business Research Center

The Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC), housed within the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, provides economic analysis, forecasting, and applied research to support informed decision-making by businesses, government agencies, and communities throughout Arizona.

About MINERVA

The Mining and Earth Resources Innovation Institute (MINERVA) is a university-wide framework for coordination, collaboration and strategic investment that connects expertise across disciplines. MINERVA provides the strategic coordination needed to help faculty in existing university programs related to mining and earth resources collaborate more effectively, compete more successfully and amplify the university's collective impact.