The Future of Geothermal Energy and Desalination w/ Aaron Mandell

Wacomet and Polpis Founder and CEO Aaron Mandell discusses his journey as a founder of multiple companies focused on geothermal energy and desalination. He shares insights on the potential of geothermal energy in the U.S., the challenges of scaling it, and the importance of desalination as a critical resource for water management. Mandell advocates for a national water strategy to address the growing water crisis and emphasizes the need for innovative financing solutions to support desalination projects. He reflects on the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of believing in the potential for technological advancements to transform industries.Chapters00:00 - The Journey of a Repeat Founder03:02 - Innovations in Geothermal Energy06:05 - Scaling Geothermal: Opportunities and Challenges09:06 - Site Selection for Geothermal Resources12:12 - Desalination: A Critical Resource14:55 - Advocating for a National Water Strategy20:07 - The Future of Water Management25:07 - Financing Desalination Projects27:49 - Lessons from the Founder Journey30:57 - Looking Ahead: Breakthroughs in Energy and Water33:01 - Inspiration and RecommendationsBooks mentioned: Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by JD VanceTryptamine Palace: 5-MeO-DMT and the Sonoran Desert Toad by James Oroc