Click Here for a PDF version of the
2011 Geothermal Education and Training Guide.
Introduction
U.S. Schools and Universities with Geothermal Programs, Courses and/or Research Opportunities
International Schools and Institutions with Established Geothermal Programs
Geothermal Technical Training Schools and Institutions
Schools and Institutions for Geothermal Heat Pump Education and Technical Training
Other Geothermal Education Opportunities
Additional Education and Training Resources and Links
Introduction
As geothermal energy production and use become more prominent in today’s renewable energy landscape, academic institutions are taking note. A shortage of trained industry professionals – especially higher-level geothermal power plant managers, geologists, resource analysts, permitting staff, drillers, engineers, and geothermal heat pump installers – is often cited as an obstacle to the growth of the geothermal industry. As the industry grows, so too does the need for geothermal education and training. A number of colleges, universities and training institutions across the country are responding with undergraduate, graduate, and certification programs related to geothermal. The National Geothermal Academy (NGA), for example, is in its inaugural year offering an intensive 8-week summer program covering all aspects of geothermal energy development and utilization.
Cultivating geothermal energy for all of its uses requires a wide range of experts in various fields. In an October 2010 report on geothermal industry jobs, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) discussed the numerous types of jobs created at different stages of geothermal project development. Development requires the expertise of “green collar” laborers (drill rig operators, welders, mechanics), degreed professionals (engineers, geologists, geophysicists) and a host of other professionals including environmental permitting consultants and lawyers, wildlife biologists and hydrologists, and plant managers and technicians.
Given the variety of jobs required for a productive geothermal workforce, there are a number of educational paths for students to consider. For undergraduate students, academic areas suited for a future career in the geothermal industry include civil and environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geology, geological engineering, geophysics, hydrology, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering. Undergraduate degree programs in these areas are available through most colleges and universities. A few institutions, such as the Southern Methodist University (SMU) have a geothermal focus within a major. Others, including the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University, and University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offer undergraduate renewable-energy-related minors which highlight geothermal. OIT also offers an undergraduate renewable energy major. Generally, a background in physical sciences or engineering will benefit students entering the geothermal industry or pursuing more advanced degrees suited for geothermal.
Due to the more specialized nature of graduate studies, many more opportunities in geothermal-specific education exist at the graduate level than at the undergraduate level. Stanford University and SMU offer both geothermal master’s and doctorate degrees. In addition to the Stanford Geothermal Program and SMU’s Geothermal Laboratory, research facilities and/or geothermal research opportunities exist at a growing number of institutions. More widely available graduate degrees including civil and environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geology, geological engineering, geophysics, hydrology, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering are useful for pursuing a geothermal career.
It is beyond the scope of this report to individually identify all of the academic programs – and institutions offering those programs – that could prepare students to enter the broad geothermal field. Instead, geothermal-specific programs, coursework, or research opportunities have been identified at the institutions listed below.
While this document focuses primarily on U.S. schools and institutions, a handful of prominent international geothermal education opportunities are noted as well. Institutions are divided into broad categories based on the nature of the education and training involved. The first section, “Schools and Universities with Geothermal Programs, Course Components and/or Research Opportunities,” identifies institutions of higher learning that are active in geothermal education or research in varying capacities. Within this section, U.S. and international schools and institutions are separately categorized. Subsequent sections are “Technical Training Schools and Institutions” and “Schools and Institutions for Geothermal Heat Pump Education and Technical Training.” Within each section, institutions are listed in alphabetical order with brief descriptions of their involvement in geothermal. Finally, other geothermal educational opportunities and resources are acknowledged. Program information was primarily gathered from the schools’ Web sites. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor does GEA offer assessment of program quality.
U.S. Schools and Universities with Geothermal Programs, Courses and/or Research Opportunities
Boise State University
Boise, ID
http://www.boisestate.edu/
Boise State University (BSU) is the lead institution for the Department of
Energy (DOE)-funded National Geothermal Data System (NGDS). The school’s Department of
Geosciences also offers courses in geotechnical engineering.
Department of Geosciences:http://earth.boisestate.edu/
NGDS: http://www.geothermaldata.org/
Brown University
Providence, RI
http://www.brown.edu/
Brown University offers a course in Sustainable Energy Technologies.
This technical course explores the scientific, political, and social aspects of
many sustainable energy sources. Brown also offers a two-week pre-college program course, Alternative
Energy Engineering – An Introduction, designed for high school students. The course broadly covers energy and
global warming issues and includes a review of geothermal among other
alternative energy sources.
Pre-College Programs: http://brown.edu/ce/pre-college/
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
http://mines.edu/
Colorado School of Mines offers numerous courses and degree programs covering
various aspects of geothermal, including Petroleum Engineering, Geophysics and
an Energy Minor. The school also
features a four-week field program conducted through the Department of
Geophysics which has focused on geothermal system characterization and is
designed to “give students hands-on experience at conducting geophysical field
investigations.” Colorado School of
Mines held a geothermal research symposium at its campus in May 2011 and has
identified geothermal energy as a prominent research area. Colorado School of Mines is also
among the consortium of schools that developed the National Geothermal Academy
and participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student Competition.(For more information on the NREL
Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal Education
Opportunities.”)
Field Camp: http://inside.mines.edu/GEO-Field-Camp
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
http://www.cornell.edu/
Cornell University is actively involved in geothermal research through the
Cornell Energy Institute and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future.
Cornell has adopted enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) as a focal area in its
College of Engineering. The College
houses the Cornell Energy Institute and has established a new graduate program
in Earth-Energy Systems which takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying
subsurface energy sources, of which geothermal is a major component. The University also offers a wide
variety of engineering degrees both at the undergraduate and graduate levels
which include coursework on geothermal energy. Cornell recently started offering both undergraduate and graduate minors
in Sustainable Energy Systems which combines instruction analysis of energy
systems, energy sources and technologies, energy impacts on natural systems, and
social impact as it relates to policy, economics, and ethics, among other
categories. Cornell is also among
the consortium of schools that developed the National Geothermal Academy.
Energy Studies in the College of Engineering:
http://www.geo.cornell.edu/eas/energy/
Geothermal:
http://www.geo.cornell.edu/eas/energy/research_front_page/geothermal.html
Earth-Energy Systems Graduate Education:
http://www.geo.cornell.edu/eas/earthenergy_grad_stud/
Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Energy Future:
http://www.sustainablefuture.cornell.edu/research/
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
http://www.gatech.edu/
The Geosystems Group within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
(CEE) at Georgia Tech is active in both research and education related to
geothermal energy. Various geotechnical courses are offered through CEE, which
include instruction on Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) for residential and
commercial applications. Enhanced
geothermal systems are also a key CEE research area.
School of Civil & Environmental Engineering:
http://www.ce.gatech.edu/
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
http://web.mit.edu/
The MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), an interdisciplinary research program with a
comprehensive focus on energy systems, includes geothermal among its key
research areas. MIT also offers an
Energy Minor and undergraduate research opportunities in energy systems,
including geothermal. The Earth
Resources Laboratory in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary
Sciences (EAPS) is also engaged in geothermal prospecting and resource
characterization research.
MITEI: http://web.mit.edu/mitei/index.html
EAPS:
http://eapsweb.mit.edu/index.html
Montana Tech University
Butte, MT
http://www.mtech.edu/
Montana Tech offers a Sustainable Energy Technology Certificate, a two-year
program designed to produce entry level technicians in the first year and
concentrate in geothermal, wind, and solar during the second year. The school offers a number of courses
and degree programs through the School of Mines & Engineering related to
geothermal, with some courses specifically covering geothermal systems. In addition, the School of Mines and
Engineering hosts a Graduate Seminar Series, which this year included a section
on Geothermal Resource Exploration Utilizing Ambient Seismic Noise.
School of Mines and Engineering:
http://www.mtech.edu/mines/
National Geothermal Academy
Reno, Nevada
http://www.unr.edu/geothermal/NGA.htm
The NGA offers eight week-long modules covering all aspects of geothermal energy
development and utilization.
Currently in its inaugural year, the NGA offers the full eight-week summer
course for undergraduate and graduate credit, with the option of enrolling in
individual modules for professional development. Modules include: Introduction to Geothermal Energy Utilization; Public
Policy, Permitting & Environmental Issues; Resource Assessment and Exploration;
Drilling Engineering; Reservoir Engineering; Power Plant Design and
Construction; Direct Use and Heat Pumps; and Geothermal Business Principles &
Development. Born of the growing
need to educate the next generation of geothermal experts, the DOE-funded NGA is
administered through a consortium of top geothermal schools and hosted on the
University of Nevada, Reno’s Redfield campus.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM
http://www.nmt.edu/
New Mexico Tech has developed a course on geothermal exploration and
computational modeling of hydrothermal systems which will be offered for the
first time this year. Graduate
students and faculty are currently working on characterizing geothermal
resources of Jemez Pueblo, the Socorro geothermal resource area, and are
undertaking a statewide reassessment of New Mexico’s geothermal resources. Undergraduate degrees in hydrology
and petroleum geology and a master’s degree in hydrology with an option in
petroleum and geofluids are available through the Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences. New Mexico
Tech is also developing local geothermal resources in order to heat its campus.
Hydrology - Earth and Environmental Science Department:
http://www.ees.nmt.edu/outside/Hydro/
Geothermal Systems Research:
http://www.ees.nmt.edu/outside/person/research.html#geothermal
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM
http://www.nmsu.edu/
New Mexico State University houses the Southwest Technology Development
Institute (SWTDI), based out of the College of Engineering which focuses on “the
development, transfer, promotion, and commercialization of renewable energy
technologies.” The Institute’s
Environmental Systems program includes a geothermal-based aquaculture
subdivision and operates the Southwest Geothermal Greenhouse Facility.
Southwest Technology Development Institute:
http://www.nmsu.edu/~tdi/about.html
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
http://home.nau.edu/
The Northern Arizona University Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) Group, housed
in the colleges of Engineering, Forestry & Natural Sciences and Business
Administration, focuses on new technology research and development, and
education. Geothermal is among the
SES Group’s areas of focus.
Sustainable Energy Solutions Group: http://ses.cefns.nau.edu/
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, Oregon
http://www.oit.edu/
Between a producing geothermal plant and the research-oriented Geo-Heat Center
located on OIT’s Klamath Falls campus, OIT is a pioneer in both geothermal use
and education. The Geo-Heat Center
serves as a research institution and “provides technical analysis for those
actively involved in geothermal development.” OIT
also operates the Oregon Renewable Energy Center (OREC) and offers an
undergraduate degree in Renewable Energy Engineering. OIT is among the consortium of
schools that developed the National Geothermal Academy and participated in the
NREL National Geothermal Student Competition. (For more information on the NREL Student Competition, see the section
below titled “Other Geothermal Education Opportunities.”)
Geo-Heat Center: http://geoheat.oit.edu/
Oregon Renewable Energy Center: http://www.oit.edu/orec
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
http://www.psu.edu/
Penn State offers undergraduate and graduate Energy and Geo-Environmental
Engineering programs which cover some aspects of geothermal. Penn State is also
among the schools that participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student
Competition.(For more information
on the NREL Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal
Education Opportunities.”)
Undergraduate Geo-Environmental Engineering:
http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/university_course_descriptions.cfm?letter=G&dept=GEOEE
Graduate Geo-Environmental Engineering:
http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/university_course_descriptions.cfm?letter=G&dept=GEOEE
Rice University
Houston, TX
http://www.rice.edu/
Rice University houses a Geotechnical Laboratory specializing in “measurement of
geomechanical properties … on sediments and rocks.” Various research opportunities in
geofluids and geomechanics are available through the lab for both undergraduate
and graduate students.
Rice Geotechnical Lab:
http://earthscience.rice.edu/department/research/dugan/lab.html
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
http://www.sdsu.edu/
The Department of Geological Sciences at San Diego State University (SDSU) is
engaged in geothermal exploration and assessment research. SDSU was also among the schools that
participated this year in the NREL National Geothermal Student competition. Students who were enrolled in the
undergraduate Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (SAGE) program at SDSU
helped conduct research for the competition. (For more information on the NREL Student Competition, see the section
below titled “Other Geothermal Education Opportunities.”)
Department of Geological Sciences: http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/
SAGE: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~jiracek/EMGEO/introduction.html
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
http://www.smu.edu/
The SMU Geothermal Laboratory specializes in a variety of areas ranging from
geothermal resource exploration to geophysical data mapping and oil and gas
coproduction. SMU offers a
geophysics degree with an emphasis on geothermal for undergraduates, a
geothermal graduate degree and many opportunities for field research. SMU is also among the consortium of
schools that developed the National Geothermal Academy and is one of the teams
building the new National Geothermal Data System.
SMU Geothermal Laboratory: http://smu.edu/geothermal/
Geothermal Education:
http://smu.edu/geothermal/educatio/educate.htm
Roy M.Huffington Department of Earth Sciences:
http://smu.edu/earthsciences/
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
http://www.stanford.edu/
The Stanford Geothermal Program offers graduate degrees in Energy Resource
Engineering and combines courses in geothermal with research tailored to
geothermal reservoir engineering.
The program’s areas of research focus primarily on issues of concern to industry
– specifically processes within fractured and low permeability rocks – and one
of the stated objectives of the Stanford Geothermal Program is “graduating
reservoir engineers.” Stanford works with
industrial affiliates, which have been integral in hiring program graduates in
recent years. Stanford is also among
the consortium of schools that developed the National Geothermal Academy and
participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student Competition.(For more information on the NREL
Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal Education
Opportunities.”)
Stanford Geothermal Program:
http://pangea.stanford.edu/ERE/research/geoth/index.html
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
http://www.temple.edu/
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Temple University is
involved in geothermal research, particularly of fault zones in geothermal
systems and investigating and enhancing geothermal systems in Nevada and
California. Other research areas include the state of stress in geothermal
systems and the mechanics of fault zones, as well as the materials comprising
the faults.
Earth and Environmental Sciences: https://ees.cst.temple.edu/
Geothermal Opportunities at Temple:
http://astro.temple.edu/~davatzes/Home_Page/Home.html
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
http://www.tamu.edu/
Texas A&M offers a variety of avenues for students interested in pursuing
geothermal energy. Through its
Energy Certificate Programs, Texas A&M offers an Energy Sustainability
Engineering Certificate with a Geothermal Energy Track, briefly described as
“finding, appraising, and producing geothermal energy and designing direct
thermal use or electric power generation facilities.”
The school maintains the Energy
Engineering Institute through the College of Geosciences which houses a number
of research centers currently pursuing geothermal energy research. Texas A&M is also among the schools
that participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student Competition. (For more information on the NREL
Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal Education
Opportunities.”)
Energy Engineering Institute, Geothermal:
http://www.energyengineering.org/geothermal
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
http://www.uaf.edu/
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), based out of the University of
Alaska, is working to quantify geothermal resources in the state and assess
potential areas for geothermal development. ACEP is working with the State of Alaska and the SMU Geothermal Lab to
improve heat flow maps and study whether Alaska could develop EGS. ACEP is also involved in GSHP
projects and research. The
University of Alaska offers a number of geotechnical courses, as well.
Alaska Center for Energy and Power: http://www.uaf.edu/acep/
University of California, Berkley
Berkley, CA
http://berkeley.edu/
Courses including units on geothermal systems are offered through the Earth and
Planetary Science and Mechanical Engineering Departments at the University of
California, Berkeley.
Department of Earth and Planetary Science: http://eps.berkeley.edu/
Department of Mechanical Engineering: http://me.berkeley.edu/
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA
http://www.ucdavis.edu/index.html
The University of California, Davis recently offered a seminar on geothermal
resources through its geology department. The seminar, titled “Geology of Geothermal Resources” was open to both
undergraduate and graduate students to study the Long Valley, California
geothermal system. The Geology
Department is in the process of developing a Geothermal Energy course for
Geology majors to be offered as an elective every year or every other year.
Additionally, the UC Davis Energy Institute will begin offering graduate degrees
in Energy Science and Technology and Energy Policy and Management through the
Energy Graduate Group (EGG). The
school administers the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative (CGEC), tasked
with coordinating activities to expand the use of geothermal energy, and also
offers a wide range of energy and sustainability related programs and coursework
through the Energy Institute. UC
Davis is also among the schools that participated in the NREL National
Geothermal Student Competition. (For
more information on the NREL Student Competition, see the section below titled
“Other Geothermal Education Opportunities.”)
Geology Department: https://www.geology.ucdavis.edu/
Seminar-Geology of Geothermal Resources:
https://www.geology.ucdavis.edu/classes/geothermalresources_F2010/index.html
UC Davis Energy Institute:
http://energy.ucdavis.edu/
California Geothermal Energy Collaborative: http://cgec.ucdavis.edu/
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
http://www.uidaho.edu/
The University of Idaho Computational Hydrology Group (CHG) is engaged in
interdisciplinary investigations in geothermal systems with applications to
microbiology, geological carbon sequestration, geothermal system
characterization and modeling, and thermo-hydro-chemical coupled processes. The program is currently expanding
and is expected to continue growing over the next few years. The group is
affiliated with the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a public-private
collaboration based in Idaho Falls which is focused on energy research,
education, and policy. The
University of Idaho is also among the schools that participated in the NREL
National Geothermal Student Competition. (For more information on the NREL Student Competition, see the section
below titled “Other Geothermal Education Opportunities.”)
Computational Hydrology Group:
http://www.sci.uidaho.edu/guerrilla-hydrology/index.html
Center for Advanced Energy Studies: http://www.uidaho.edu/idahofalls/caes
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
http://www.unr.edu/
The UNR’s Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy (GBCGE) aims to promote
geothermal development as “a sustainable, environmentally sound, economically
competitive contributor to energy supply in the western United States” and does
so through research, outreach, and scientific and technological innovation. Geothermal research fellowship
opportunities are available to geosciences and engineering students through the
GBCGE. UNR also offers
Interdisciplinary Renewable Energy Minors, tracked either for engineering majors
or non-engineers, which cover the economic, technical, and social realms of
renewable energy.
Geothermal-specific courses are also offered through the Renewable Energy Minor. UNR led the consortium of schools
that developed the National Geothermal Academy, which operates out of UNR’s
Redfield campus.
Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy:
http://www.unr.edu/geothermal/index.html
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
http://und.edu/
The University of North Dakota has established a Geothermal Laboratory which
allows students to engage in geothermal research on a variety of topics, ranging
from EGS resources and oil and gas co-production to the effect of climate change
on heat flow. The school’s
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering offers education and research
opportunities to students interested in geothermal. UND is also among the schools that
participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student Competition. (For more information on the NREL
Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal Education
Opportunities.”)
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering:
http://www.geology.und.edu/
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.utah.edu/portal/site/uuhome/
University of Utah’s Energy and Geoscience Institute (EGI) conducts research on
a variety of geothermal applications, ranging from tracer compounds to be used
in geothermal reservoirs to geologic mapping. EGI, along with University of Utah’s engineering departments provide
geothermal research and education opportunities. The University of Utah is also among the consortium of schools that
developed the National Geothermal Academy and participated in the NREL National
Geothermal Student Competition. (For
more information on the NREL Student Competition, see the section below titled
“Other Geothermal Education Opportunities.”)
Energy and Geoscience Institute: http://www.egi.utah.edu/Home.aspx
Utah State University
Logan, UT
http://www.usu.edu/
Utah State University (USU) is heading up a DOE-funded Snake River Geothermal
Drilling research project and involving both graduate and undergraduate students
in the research efforts. The USU
Department of Geology hosts a Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology program
which incorporates elements of geothermal with its focus on “igneous and
metamorphic petrology, high-temperature geochemistry, and volcanology.”
Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology:
http://www.usu.edu/geo/shervais/Shervais-USU-Geology/Petrology.html
Snake River Geothermal Drilling Project:
http://www.usu.edu/geo/shervais/Shervais-USU-Geology/Project_Hotspot.html
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
http://www.vt.edu/
Virginia Tech maintains a Geothermal Database which includes data on
temperature, rock thermal conductivity, and heat flow from the southeastern and
eastern United States. Additionally,
the Department of Geosciences offers research opportunities in related areas,
including exploration geophysics and well hydraulics. Virginia Tech is also among the
schools that participated in the NREL National Geothermal Student Competition. (For more information on the NREL
Student Competition, see the section below titled “Other Geothermal Education
Opportunities.”)
Department of Geosciences: http://www.geos.vt.edu/
Geothermal Database:
http://www.geothermal.geos.vt.edu/
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
http://www.wsu.edu/
Washington State University’s Extension Energy Program is responsible for
energy-related education, information, technical assistance, and training
programs. Geothermal energy is a
specific area of focus within the Renewable Energy program and WSU produces
various reports, guides, and other publications that deal with the energy
source.
Extension Energy Program: http://www.energy.wsu.edu/Home.aspx
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
http://www.wvu.edu/
West Virginia University’s Advanced Energy initiative provides a platform for
University-wide energy research in a range of areas, including a current project
focusing on exploring West Virginia’s geothermal resources and expanding the use
of geothermal through EGS.West
Virginia University is also among the consortium of schools that developed the
National Geothermal Academy.
Advanced Energy Initiative: http://energyresearch.wvu.edu/
International Schools and Institutions with Established Geothermal Programs
A number of geothermal education programs are available internationally. The following list is limited to
prominent geothermal programs which are conducted in English. However, many
additional programs are offered around the world, for example in Germany, Italy,
Japan, and Hungary, and are taught in their native languages.
Bicol University, Philippines
Legazpi City, Philippines
http://www.bicol-u.edu.ph/
Bicol University offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in
Geothermal Engineering through the College of Engineering located on the East
Campus in Legazpi City.
College of Engineering:
http://www.bicol-u.edu.ph/index.php?option=3&taskid=18&subcat=4
Negros Oriental State University, Philippines
Dumaguete City, Philippines
http://www.norsu.edu.ph/home
Negros Oriental State University offers an undergraduate degree in Geothermal
Engineering through the College of Engineering and Architecture.
College of Engineering and Architecture:
http://www.norsu.edu.ph/courses
RES The School for Renewable Energy Science, Iceland
http://www.res.is/res/
RES, an international graduate school operating in cooperation with the
University of Iceland and the University of Akureyri, and other technical
universities and institutions worldwide, offers an M.Sc. Program in Geothermal Energy.
Students first complete courses in
Renewable Energy Science and then enter specialized geothermal courses before
embarking on a Master’s Thesis. This
is a relatively new program, having graduated three classes through affiliation
with the University of Akureyri and the University of Iceland since the program
began in 2008.
Geothermal Energy Graduate Program:
http://www.res.is/graduateschool/page/geothermal
Reykjavik Energy Graduate School of Sustainable Systems(REYST), Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
http://www.reyst.is/
REYST is a collaborative program between Reykjavik Energy and Reykjavik
University designed to produce experts in sustainable energy from the fields of
engineering, earth sciences, and business. The 18-month program is international in nature and primarily covers
geothermal energy, though other sustainable energy systems are included.
Graduate Program:
http://www.reyst.is/AcademicProgrammes/GraduateProgramme/
United Nations University Geothermal Training Program, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
http://unugtp.is/
The United Nations University Geothermal Training Program, based in Iceland, is
a postgraduate program “aiming at assisting developing countries in capacity
building within geothermal exploration and development.”
The program involves six months of
training for practicing geothermal professionals and draws fellows from
“developing and transitional countries with significant geothermal potential.”
University of Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide, South Australia
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/
The University of Adelaide instituted the South Australian Centre for Geothermal
Energy Research (SACGER) in mid-2010. The project is funded through the State Government’s Renewable Energy
Fund and intends to focus on EGS and geothermal power systems. Research is broadly categorized in
terms of geothermal exploration, geothermal reservoir modeling, and geothermal
reservoir stimulation. The
University also offers a number of degree programs which include instruction on
geothermal.
SACGER:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/geothermal/
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/
The Institute of Earth Science and Engineering at the University of Auckland,
New Zealand, “specializes in geothermal exploration, microseismic monitoring,
borehole instrumentation and geothermal short course training.”
The University of Auckland offers
education opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate level through
short courses (ranging from one day to several weeks in length), graduate
degrees in Energy, Engineering, and Science, and a Postgraduate Certificate in
Geothermal Energy Technology.
Institute of Earth Science and Engineering:
http://www.iese.co.nz/Home.aspx
Geothermal Technical Training Schools and Institutions
Classroom instruction is often a minor aspect of learning technical skills. The coursework precedes hands-on training and expertise accumulates gradually in the field. Geothermal drilling, for example, requires geothermal hydrogen sulfide and air drilling training, and knowledge of hot pipe and tubular. These are areas specific to geothermal and in which a trained oil and gas driller would have little or no experience. In some instances, classroom training can be completed in a two or three day course, but years of on-the-job training are required to truly understand geothermal drilling. Mindful that the majority of technical training takes place after an individual is hired, the following institutions, companies, and training facilities offer courses in a range of fields applicable to geothermal. Some larger companies offer in-house classroom training; other institutions provide background training which is further developed by the hiring company to fit the specifics of its geothermal work. However, a couple of longer-term, degreed geothermal technical training programs, such as those offered through Gateway Technical College of Wisconsin and Truckee Meadows Community College in Nevada, are emerging as well.
Baker Hughes
Houston, TX
http://www.bakerhughes.com/
Baker Hughes’ Western Hemisphere Education Center
in Houston, TX is used to train new and current employees. The facility houses classrooms, a
workshop and a training rig which provide students with both instruction and
hands-on experience.
Western Hemisphere Education Center:
http://www.bakerhughes.com/company/corporate-social-responsibility/people-and-society/talent-management/technology-and-education-centers/education-centers
Gateway Technical College of Wisconsin
http://www.gtc.edu/
Gateway Technical College offers a two-year AAS Geothermal Technician degree, as
well as an Advanced Technical Certificate for a Geothermal Specialist, a person
responsible for commissioning a loopfield and associated equipment. The
GeoExchange training and certification programs are geared toward installers and
technicians and provide hands-on training in GeoExchange drilling, installation
and maintenance.
GeoExchange Technology:
http://www.gtc.edu/page.asp?q=1073&pid=10-601-1B
Geothermal Resource Group
http://geothermalresourcegroup.com/
Geothermal Resource Group offers online and classroom training services,
including a course in Geothermal Well Design and Drilling, which “covers all
aspects of designing, programming, drilling and completing high-temperature,
utility-grade geothermal wells for power production, with emphasis on how it
differs from typical oil and gas wells.” Geothermal
Resource Group also offers more subject-specific training modules on any of the
topics covered in the Geothermal Well Design and Drilling course. These include: Well and Casing Design
for Production, Injection and Exploration Wells; Cementing of Casing Strings
including Foam and Reverse Cementing; Program Planning and Rig Selection;
Drilling Fluids and Lost Circulation Issues; Types of Formations Penetrated; Use
of Special Downhole Tools; Fishing Tools and Techniques; BOPE and Well Control;
Testing and Completion.
Training Services:
http://geothermalresourcegroup.com/geothermal-services/training/
Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.(MDS)
http://www.murchisondrillingschools.com/
MDS provides training in drilling practices, which includes classroom
instruction and simulator work.
Courses offered include Operations Drilling Technology & Advanced Well Control,
IADC WellCAP Well Control, IWCF Well Control, Practical Drilling Technology, and
Floater Operation Transitions.
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Galloway, NJ
http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=197&pageID=5&layout=hp
Richard Stockton College offers an interdisciplinary Certification Program in
Energy Studies with options for certificates in Physical Science Energy and
Environmental Science Energy. The
college’s Geothermal Project, part of the Energy Studies initiative, also offers
training courses in geothermal technology for design professionals. The
geothermal project includes 400 boreholes 425 feet deep and an Aquifer Thermal
Energy Storage system which provides around 600 tons of cooling without the use
of chillers. Examples of topics covered in the trainings include Test Bore &
Thermal Conductivity Test, Borehole Layout, and Ventilation Issues.
Energy Studies:
http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=82&pageID=1
Siemens
http://www.usa.siemens.com/entry/en/
The Siemens Power Academy offers technical courses and certification related to
transmission, smart grids, power distribution, and equipment, among others, and
includes instruction on renewable technologies.
Siemens Power Academy TD:
http://www.energy.siemens.com/us/en/services/power-transmission-distribution/power-technologies-international/siemens-power-academy/
Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC)
Summit, MS
http://www.smcc.edu/index.php/home-mainmenu-73
SMCC offers a Well Construction Technology Program, which includes classroom and
laboratory components and familiarizes students with “the use of rotary drilling
and related equipment used in drilling for water, petroleum, ecological, and
geo-technical operations.” SMCC also
offers a Welding and Cutting certification.
Well Construction Technology:
http://www.smcc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=452
Welding and Cutting:
http://www.smcc.edu/index.php/welding-and-cutting-careertechmenu-451
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
Reno, NV
http://www.tmcc.edu/
TMCC has established a Geothermal Plant Operators Program (GPOP) to train
geothermal technicians – the only program of its kind in the United States. The program is designed as a two-year
Associate of Applied Science degree or one-year certificate program. Geothermal-specific technical courses
include: Well Design and Construction; Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics and
Hydrology; Fundamentals of Process Controls, and others. TMCC also offers an Associate of
Applied Science Construction Technologies Degree with an emphasis on renewable
energy, which includes instruction on geothermal and a course specifically
dedicated to the geology of geothermal energy resources.
Construction Technologies:
http://www.tmcc.edu/appliedtech/programs/construction/renewableenergy/
Schools and Institutions for Geothermal Heat Pump Education and Technical Training
Individuals working with
geothermal heat pump systems require a somewhat different knowledge and
expertise base than do those pursuing geothermal systems for larger-scale power
production. Education and training
opportunities specific to geothermal heat pumps, or ground source heat pumps
(GSHP), are identified below. The
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is listed first in
this section because many of their accredited courses are offered at additional
institutions listed in this guide. Subsequent schools and training institutions
are listed in alphabetical order.
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/index.htm
The IGSHPA, a non-profit organization promoting the use and advancement of
ground source heat pump technology, is engaged in “GSHP system installation
training and geothermal research” both on campus at its headquarters at Oklahoma
State University in Stillwater, OK, and in other off-campus locations around the
country. Trainings include
Accredited Drillers Training, Accredited Installer Workshops, Certified
GeoExchange Designer Courses, and a Train-The-Trainer Course. Trainings are also offered through
IGSHPA accredited trainers, which can be searched by state on IGSHPA’s online
directory.
IGSHPA Training:
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/training/training.htm
IGSHPA Directory:
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/directory/directory.asp
American Ground Water Trust
http://www.agwt.org/index.htm
The American Ground Water Trust, a non-profit dedicated to protecting,
developing and managing ground water resources, offers short geothermal forums
around the country geared toward architects, HVAC designers, and building owners
and managers. The workshops
incorporate broad overviews of a variety of topics ranging from environmental
benefits to tax breaks and incentives to installation practices.
Workshops: http://www.agwt.org/workshops.htm
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
http://www.clarkson.edu/index.html
Geothermal energy is among the research programs at The Clarkson University
Center for Sustainable Energy Solutions. Specifically, the research is geared toward GSHP systems.Clarkson University also offers an
undergraduate Minor in Sustainable Energy Systems.
Center for Sustainable Energy Systems:
http://www.clarkson.edu/cses/index.html
Clean Edison
http://www.cleanedison.com/
Clean Edison offers an accredited geothermal installer certification, accredited
driller workshop, and an entry-level geothermal course designed to instruct on
the basics of GSHP systems. Both the
installer and driller programs are IGSHPA accredited.
Geothermal Training:
http://www.cleanedison.com/geothermal.html
Geothermal Training Institute
http://www.geotrainers.com/index.htm
The Geothermal Training Institute provides hands-on GSHP training through a
variety of courses available online and around the country. Courses offered range from GSHP
design and optimization to thermal conductivity testing. IGSHPA accredited installer and
driller courses are available as well.
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC
http://gvltec.edu/index.aspx
Greenville Technical College houses a Geothermal Training Center, which trains
and certifies GSHP installers along IGSHPA criteria. The training is part of the
Construction Engineering Technology Department.
Geothermal Energy Training:
http://gvltec.edu/technology_depts.aspx?id=7806&terms=geothermal
HeatSpring Learning Institute
http://www.heatspring.com/
The HeatSpring Learning Institute is an education and training company geared
toward building professionals. The
Institute offers geothermal energy training and certification courses around the
country and online. Courses offered
include Geothermal Designer Boot Camp + LoopLink Certification and IGSHPA
Geothermal Installer Certification Training.
Geothermal Training Courses:
http://www.heatspring.com/geothermal-courses
National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
http://www.ngwa.org/
The NGWA offers a Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller designation for
geothermal drillers and maintains a student resources section of its web site
which includes a list of the leading hydrogeology programs in North America.
NGWA Student Membership:
http://www.ngwa.org/information-for/students/Pages/default.aspx
Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller:
http://www.ngwa.org/Professional-Resources/certifications-exams/Pages/Geothermal-driller-(CVCLD).aspx
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
http://osu.okstate.edu/welcome/
Oklahoma State University (OSU) serves as the headquarters for the IGSHPA and
houses research and installation training facilities on its campus (see IGSHPA
paragraph above). OSU also houses a
Building and Environmental Thermal Systems Research Group, of which geothermal
heat pump systems are a major interest.
Building & Environmental Thermal Systems:
http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/index.htm
Other Geothermal Education Opportunities
NREL National Geothermal Student Competition
http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/competition.html
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) this year held the first-ever
DOE-funded National Geothermal Student Competition (NGSC), which provided a
platform for student teams to advance their understanding of geothermal energy
by engaging in comprehensive research projects – this year focused on the
geothermal energy potential of the Rio Grande Rift. Eleven student teams participated in
the NGSC this year, bringing in students from the following schools from across
the country: Colorado School of Mines, Oregon Institute of Technology, The
Pennsylvania State University, San Diego State University, Stanford University,
Texas A&M University, University of California-Davis, University of Idaho,
University of North Dakota, The Utah University, and Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University. In
addition to the objective of expanding the future qualified geothermal
workforce, the NGDS also served to incorporate geothermal education into
university curriculum. Three of the
eleven participating schools developed a class and tailored curriculum to
support the students’ efforts in the competition.
Additional Education and Training Resources and Links
Geothermal Energy Association (GEA)
www.geo-energy.org
Reports: http://geo-energy.org/reports.aspx
Geothermal Energy Weekly: http://geo-energy.org/updates.aspx
GEA Geothermal Web, Student Resources
http://geothermalweb.org/Students.aspx
Geothermal Education Office (GEO)
http://geothermal.marin.org/
Department of Energy: Energy Education & Workforce Development
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/colleges_universities.html
Department of Energy: Scholarships and Internships
http://www.energy.gov/scholarships&internships.htm
International Geothermal Association: Information and Education Links
http://www.geothermal-energy.org/311,links_-_topic_order.html#edu
U.S. DOE Geothermal Technologies Program: Related Links
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/related_links.html#education