GEO 168
Geothermal Exploration & Development
COURSE OVERVIEW
The energy transition and the drive towards net-zero emissions as per the Paris 2015 agreement has resulted in significant efforts to develop new sustainable energy resources. Since 2022, security of energy supply has become an additional focus area. For both, geothermal has been identified as one of the major contributors in the future energy mix which requires optionality and a decentralization and localization of energy supplies, particularly when it comes to heat.
This course is introducing the concepts of geothermal exploration and development in various geological settings as well as possible subsurface and surface development concepts suitable for them. At the same time, challenges and risks are discussed to avoid inherent pitfalls (e.g. Basel). Aim is to provide participants with insights into subsurface workflows which can be applied for geothermal projects like play based. The training course has the following goals:
o Provide an introduction to geothermal heat as a renewable energy resource
o Present a global overview of current geothermal energy production capacity
o Illustrate the additional potential of geothermal exploration
o Highlight which countries are currently leading in geothermal developments and why
o Present the main sources and reservoirs of geothermal energy
o Discuss geothermal potential for power vs heat generation
o Highlight the differences between fracture and matrix geothermal developments
o Showcase the importance of matrix porosity and permeability in sedimentary rocks
o Understand the workflow of exploration – Play Based Geothermal Exploration (PBGE)
o Summarise subsurface and surface technologies and development options
o Present and discuss a number of leading edge geothermal projects
o Introduce the basics of geothermal economics
o Compare geothermal projects with other energy developments
o Highlight potential of additional benefits of geothermal developments
o Provide an outlook for geothermal energy in the decades ahead
o Discuss the main challenges and technical risks involved in harnessing
o Address non-technical risks in geothermal project developments
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Code | Date | Location | price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO 168 | 26 - 30 Jan 2026 | Online | 3300 |
| GEO 168 | 7 - 11 Aug 2026 | Aberdeen | 4400 |
COURSE OUTLINE
5 days
Day 1:
o Fundamentals of geothermal energy
Day 2:
o Play-based Exploration for geothermal energy
Day 3:
o Development of geothermal energy projects
Day 4:
o Benefits of geothermal energy projects
Day 5:
o Common pitfalls and risks in geothermal projects
INSTRUCTOR
Instructor Profile
The instructor is a geo-energy lecturer at Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Germany, with over 30 years of international experience in geoscience and the energy sector. He spent 31 years with Shell in senior technical and leadership roles, including Chief Geologist and Head of Geological Services. His expertise includes digital geology, subsurface workflows, energy transition, and the OSDU™ data platform. He has published widely in geoscience and developed global training programs for subsurface professionals. He is also actively involved in professional organizations and advisory roles related to geo-energy and sustainable energy systems
FAQ
DESIGNED FOR
This course has been designed for geoscientists, well engineers, reservoir engineers, production technologists and other energy professionals who are working on renewable energy developments as well as other stakeholders involved in geothermal projects.
COURSE LEVEL
o Advance
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This is an on-site course comprising a mixture of lectures, exercises, case studies, discussions and feedback sessions. The course follows the discover, ask and learn approach. The course can also be provided as online version, if required. There is an option to arrange an onsite workshop internally after the course offering aiming at new project developments. Therefore, the course can serve as an awareness level introduction and, alternatively, as a kick-off session for a geothermal exploration or development project within your organization or stakeholder community. Such a workshop aims at developing a common understanding and an integrated implementation approach involving subsurface, wells, concept engineering, energy service and community planning professionals in your project at an early stage, ie applying front-end project loading.
REGISTER
Registration is now OPEN!
Ph.D. students, group and early bird registrants are eligible to DISCOUNT!
For more details and registration please send email to: register@petro-teach.com
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