Last year leading up to the big U.S. geothermal conference I was asked to write a series of LinkedIn articles regarding the industry. That series was called “Insights,” and collected observations about trends overall with the industry over the past several decades. It seemed useful to construct that in sort of a past/present/future perspective; to step back from the day-to-day and try to identify trends over a longer term of several decades.

This year we took a different tack. As something of a techno-archivist, I study the gradual accumulation and trends of technologies, but also of cultures. In the case of geothermal plants one can, with a bit of imagination, see something of the natural character of a region expressed in their features. People proud of their national heritage but not used to seeing it expressed through industrial facilities might find this of interest. Students ready to step into their engineering careers might recognize through these portrayals that they are joining a profession that has a long and strong history of contributions.

Tractors? Huh?

So, give this Heritage series a read if so inclined. It’s built on three countries with which I have some years of experience: Turkey, Iceland and the United States of America.

The first installment is about Turkey. What features of the Turkey national character are expressed in their projects? What does this have to do with tractors?

The second installment is about Iceland. What does hay and moss have to do with geothermal plants?

The third installment is about the United States of America. Why are those people so forgetful? What is their greatest strength?

These and other countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand, Kenya etc. have rich histories and unique characters. It seems worthwhile for students and new engineers in the geothermal industry to appreciate and honor the legacies they may be inheriting. At the same time, they are expected to break new creative ground with their own signature achievements to propel renewable energy forward worldwide.

If anyone happens to be at the Geothermal Resources Council Annual meeting this year (14-17 October in Reno) and wants to chat about culture, renewable energy or engineering careers, stop by the POWER Engineers booth and ask for me. I’ll be around and always enjoy talking power plants and careers.