Programme Overview
Training Description
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for;
- Geologists and Geophysicists
- Geothermal Engineers and Technicians
- Energy Project Developers
- Financial Analysts and Investors
- Government Policymakers and Regulators
- Utility and Power Generation Managers
- Business Development Professionals
- Environmental and Sustainability Consultants
- Researchers in Renewable Energy
- Professionals from Oil and Gas transitioning to renewables
Session Objectives
- Master the fundamental principles of geothermal geology and resource exploration.
- Understand the core components and operations of different geothermal power plant technologies.
- Learn to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic feasibility study for a geothermal project.
- Grasp the unique business models and financing structures for geothermal ventures.
- Develop proficiency in assessing and mitigating exploration and project risks.
- Explore best practices in environmental and social impact assessment.
- Learn about robust approaches to leveraging analytics for efficiency gains.
- Identify the critical ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in data management.
- Develop skills in visualizing data for clear and compelling insights.
- Formulate strategies for a data-driven approach to energy transition.
About the Course
Geothermal energy stands as a unique and powerful source of renewable power, offering the reliability of baseload generation that other intermittent sources like solar and wind cannot. As the world seeks to decarbonize and secure its energy future, harnessing the Earth's constant internal heat has become a top priority for governments and investors alike. However, the path to developing a successful geothermal project is complex, requiring a sophisticated blend of geological expertise, advanced engineering, and a deep understanding of unique business models and financial risks. This course is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between technical understanding and commercial viability, empowering professionals to turn vast underground potential into profitable, sustainable energy projects.
This program goes beyond a theoretical overview to provide a practical, hands-on roadmap for every stage of a geothermal project, from initial resource exploration to plant operation and asset management. Participants will gain actionable insights into cutting-edge technologies like Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and binary cycle power plants, which are expanding the resource potential to new locations. By focusing on real-world case studies of successful projects and covering crucial topics like project financing, risk mitigation, and market analysis, the course prepares attendees to lead, invest in, and develop geothermal projects with confidence and competence, positioning them to be at the forefront of the next energy frontier.
Curriculum & Topics
15 Topics | 75 Sessions
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Workshop 1.1: The geological origins of geothermal heat
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Workshop 1.2: Hydrothermal, petrothermal, and hybrid systems
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Workshop 1.3: The concept of a geothermal reservoir
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Workshop 1.4: Baseload power and its market value
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Workshop 1.5: The role of geothermal in a diversified energy mix
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Workshop 2.1: Geophysical and geochemical surveys
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Workshop 2.2: The importance of well logging and reservoir modeling
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Workshop 2.3: The value of a clear and focused research question
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Workshop 2.4: Introduction to geofluid and rock analysis
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Workshop 2.5: Estimating the size and longevity of a resource
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Workshop 3.1: The science and engineering of geothermal drilling
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Workshop 3.2: Well completion and casing design
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Workshop 3.3: Managing high-pressure and high-temperature conditions
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Workshop 3.4: Advanced directional drilling techniques
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Workshop 3.5: The role of well maintenance and workovers
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Workshop 4.1: Principles of dry steam technology
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Workshop 4.2: Components and operational flow
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Workshop 4.3: Case studies of existing dry steam plants
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Workshop 4.4: Advantages and disadvantages of this technology
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Workshop 4.5: Maintenance and efficiency considerations
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Workshop 5.1: Principles of single and double flash systems
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Workshop 5.2: The process of "flashing" geothermal fluid
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Workshop 5.3: Components of a flash steam plant
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Workshop 5.4: Optimal conditions for flash technology
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Workshop 5.5: Environmental and efficiency considerations
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Workshop 6.1: Principles of binary cycle technology
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Workshop 6.2: The role of a secondary working fluid
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Workshop 6.3: Key advantages for lower-temperature resources
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Workshop 6.4: The closed-loop system and its environmental benefits
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Workshop 6.5: The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Workshop 7.1: The concept of artificially creating a reservoir
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Workshop 7.2: The process of hydraulic stimulation
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Workshop 7.3: Key challenges and future potential of EGS
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Workshop 7.4: The role of seismic monitoring
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Workshop 7.5: EGS projects and global development trends
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Workshop 8.1: The many applications of geothermal heat
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Workshop 8.2: Economics of district heating and cooling
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Workshop 8.3: Industrial process heat and agricultural uses
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Workshop 8.4: The role of geothermal heat pumps
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Workshop 8.5: Integrating direct use with power generation
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Workshop 9.1: From preliminary survey to project closure
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Workshop 9.2: The role of feasibility studies and due diligence
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Workshop 9.3: Permitting and regulatory processes
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Workshop 9.4: Timelines and critical path analysis
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Workshop 9.5: The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Workshop 10.1: The role of a "digital" framework
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Workshop 10.2: Public vs. private sector development models
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Workshop 10.3: Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
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Workshop 10.4: Revenue streams and off-taker agreements
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Workshop 10.5: The role of a program's theory of change
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Workshop 11.1: Understanding the project cost structure (CAPEX vs. OPEX)
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Workshop 11.2: Financing options: equity, debt, and grants
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Workshop 11.3: The role of multilateral development banks
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Workshop 11.4: Capital asset pricing models and risk assessment
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Workshop 11.5: Financial modeling for geothermal projects
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Workshop 12.1: Geological and resource risk assessment
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Workshop 12.2: Financial and market risk mitigation
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Workshop 12.3: Managing political and regulatory risk
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Workshop 12.4: The role of insurance and guarantee mechanisms
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Workshop 12.5: Lessons learned from real-world project failures
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Workshop 13.1: The global supply chain for geothermal equipment
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Workshop 13.2: Sourcing of specialized drilling rigs and services
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Workshop 13.3: The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Workshop 13.4: The importance of local content and capacity building
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Workshop 13.5: Case studies on effective framework design
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Workshop 14.1: The environmental impacts of geothermal development
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Workshop 14.2: Air and water quality management
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Workshop 14.3: The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
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Workshop 14.4: The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Workshop 14.5: Land use and community relations
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Workshop 15.1: The role of government in de-risking projects
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Workshop 15.2: Feed-in tariffs and other incentives
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Workshop 15.3: The importance of a clear and focused framework
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Workshop 15.4: Permitting and licensing reform
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Workshop 15.5: The role of a "data story map"