International Experience in Geothermal Education

Abstract

Geothermal energy production and utilization is receiving ever greater recognition in today’s renewable energy landscape. Academic institutions and the geothermal industry are beginning to take this into account, as shown by the increasing number of geothermally related course offerings and vocational training programs. Because the last 20 years have observed a dramatic increase in European geothermal development, there has been a resulting shortage of trained industry professionals. There is an especially great need for trained geologists, resource analysts, drillers, engineers, geothermal heat pump installers and geothermal power plant managers. It’s safe to say that as the industry grows, so too will the need for geothermal education and training. A number of colleges and universities across the world are starting to offer undergraduate, graduate, and certification programs related to geothermal. This article attempts to introduce, compare, make observations and draw inferences from the last twenty years of international geothermal-education experience and practices.