Geothermal Training

Lesson 1 • Thermodynamic Principles for Geothermal Systems

Introduces enthalpy, entropy, and phase behaviour of water-steam mixtures. Provides the thermodynamic vocabulary needed for reservoir and plant analysis.

Lesson 2 • Global Distribution of Geothermal Zones

Maps tectonic settings—rift zones, subduction belts, hot spots—to resource occurrence. Connects plate tectonics to prospective exploration targets worldwide.

Lesson 3 • Types of Geothermal Resources

Distinguishes hydrothermal, geopressured, hot dry rock, and magmatic systems. Enables resource identification as a prerequisite for exploration and development planning.

Lesson 1 • Structural Geology of Geothermal Fields

Examines faults, fractures, and volcanic stratigraphy as fluid pathways and barriers. Directly supports reservoir boundary mapping and well targeting.

Lesson 2 • Conceptual Reservoir Model Development

Integrates geology, geochemistry, and geophysics into a unified conceptual model. This model is the foundation for resource estimation and development planning.

Lesson 3 • Hydrothermal Alteration Mineralogy

Identifies alteration mineral assemblages as proxies for paleotemperature and fluid chemistry. Guides drilling decisions and reservoir temperature estimation.

Lesson 4 • Reservoir Geometry and Permeability Assessment

Combines geological mapping, well data, and tracer tests to define reservoir volume and flow paths. Outputs feed directly into numerical reservoir models.

Lesson 1 • Integrated Exploration Survey Design

Sequences and combines multiple geophysical methods into a phased exploration programme. Optimises cost and risk reduction before committing to exploratory drilling.

Lesson 2 • Gravity and Magnetic Surveys

Uses density and magnetic susceptibility contrasts to map subsurface structures and intrusive bodies. Complements resistivity data for structural interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Remote Sensing and Surface Manifestations

Interprets thermal infrared imagery, fumaroles, hot springs, and altered ground to identify surface expressions of geothermal activity. Rapid and cost-effective early-stage screening tool.

Lesson 4 • Resistivity and Electromagnetic Surveys

Covers magnetotelluric, transient electromagnetic, and DC resistivity methods for mapping clay-cap and reservoir zones. These are the primary geophysical tools in geothermal exploration.

Lesson 1 • Drilling Equipment and Bit Selection

Evaluates rotary rigs, top drives, and drill bit types suited to hard volcanic and crystalline formations. Equipment selection governs penetration rate and cost per metre.

Lesson 2 • Well Testing and Productivity Assessment

Applies discharge testing, pressure transient analysis, and enthalpy measurement to quantify well output. Results feed reservoir models and power plant sizing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Geothermal Well Design Principles

Covers casing programmes, wellbore trajectory, and diameter selection for high-temperature, high-pressure conditions. Well design directly controls productivity and longevity.

Lesson 4 • Well Cementing and Casing Installation

Details cement slurry design, placement techniques, and quality verification for geothermal temperature extremes. Proper cementing ensures zonal isolation and structural integrity.

Lesson 1 • Resource Assessment and Reserve Estimation

Applies volumetric, Monte Carlo, and stored-heat methods to estimate recoverable energy. Probabilistic estimates support investment decisions and project financing.

Lesson 2 • Field Development Planning

Integrates reservoir, drilling, and surface facility data into a phased development plan. Balances resource sustainability with power output targets over the project lifetime.

Lesson 3 • Reinjection Strategy and Design

Designs reinjection programmes to maintain reservoir pressure, manage waste fluid, and minimise thermal breakthrough. Reinjection is critical for sustainable field operation.

Lesson 4 • Production Decline Analysis

Identifies pressure decline, enthalpy changes, and non-condensable gas trends as reservoir depletion indicators. Early detection enables timely mitigation through makeup wells or reinjection.

Lesson 1 • Hybrid and Combined Heat and Power Systems

Integrates geothermal with solar, biomass, or waste heat to improve capacity factor and efficiency. Combined heat and power cascading maximises total energy recovery.

Lesson 2 • Dry Steam Power Plant Systems

Analyses direct-use steam plants where reservoir steam drives turbines without separation. Applicable to high-quality vapour-dominated resources with minimal liquid fraction.

Lesson 3 • Plant Performance Monitoring and Optimisation

Uses key performance indicators, thermodynamic benchmarking, and predictive maintenance to sustain plant output. Continuous optimisation reduces levelised cost of energy over plant life.

Lesson 4 • Single and Double Flash Plant Design

Covers flash separation, steam-water cyclone separators, and multi-stage flashing to maximise power output. Flash plants are the most widely deployed geothermal conversion technology.

Lesson 1 • Cascade Energy Utilisation

Sequences multiple end uses in decreasing temperature order to maximise total energy extraction. Cascade design is the best practice for optimising direct-use resource efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

Designs closed-loop and open-loop ground source heat pump systems for space conditioning. Extends geothermal benefits to areas lacking high-temperature hydrothermal resources.

Lesson 3 • Industrial Process Heat Applications

Matches geothermal fluid temperatures to drying, pasteurisation, and chemical process requirements. Industrial use diversifies revenue and improves overall resource utilisation.

Lesson 4 • Greenhouse and Agricultural Applications

Applies low-temperature geothermal heat to greenhouse cultivation, soil warming, and aquaculture. Reduces fossil fuel dependency in food production systems.

Lesson 1 • Long-Term Sustainability and Carbon Accounting

Measures lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land productivity to verify geothermal's sustainability credentials. Carbon accounting supports green financing and reporting obligations.

Lesson 2 • Fluid and Gas Emissions Management

Quantifies and controls hydrogen sulphide, CO2, and brine discharge to protect air and water quality. Emissions management ensures regulatory compliance and community health protection.

Lesson 3 • Environmental Impact Assessment for Geothermal Projects

Structures baseline surveys, impact prediction, and mitigation planning for geothermal development. Regulatory approval depends on a credible and comprehensive assessment process.

Lesson 4 • Induced Seismicity Management

Identifies triggers, monitors microseismic activity, and applies traffic light protocols to control induced seismicity. Seismicity management is critical for public acceptance and safety.