The authors describe teaching and research activities related to two borehole heat exchange systems that form parts of ground energy systems at two universities: AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland and Ontario Tech University (formerly University of Ontario Institute of Technology) in Oshawa, Canada. The systems are utilized in research as well as heating/cooling systems with geothermal heat pumps. The applications of borehole thermal energy storages are increasing. In Oshawa, there exists a borehole field containing 384 drilled borehole heat exchangers. Each borehole has a depth of 213 m. Altogether, the drilled system length is more than 81 km. In Krakow, the system consists of 19 borehole heat exchangers with smaller depths (78-84.5 m), but each has a different construction. The variables are: pipe diameter, pipe thickness, number of pipes in a well, pipe turbulisation system, pipe length and location in the well, and grout. The borehole heat exchangers are part of the Geoenergetics Laboratory. More than ten years of operation have provided many experiences with these systems. These experiences cover the areas of operation, research and teaching. In Krakow, a post-diploma program exists on the study of Geoenergetics and Geoengineering. In 2019, a new specialisation on Geoengineering and Geothermics commenced in the field of Mining and Geology Engineering. Many theses have been prepared based on data from Geoenergetics Laboratory and other geothermal installations in Poland. In Oshawa, research has been carried out on borehole heat exchangers and the heat transfer within and around them, the integration of ground source heat pumps with borehole fields, the behaviour of building energy systems using these technologies, and the heat storage capacity of borehole heat exchanger fields.

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