An Update on Teaching, Training and Capacity Building at the Geothermal Institute

Abstract

The Geothermal Institute remains at the forefront of geothermal education and professional development, with a continuing focus on academic excellence, industry relevance, and global capacity building. This paper provides an update on recent initiatives and ongoing programmes that are shaping the next generation of geothermal professionals. We have refined our postgraduate curriculum, including the relaunch of our advanced geothermal geosciences course and the introduction of a new dedicated subsurface engineering course within our Post Graduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology and Master of Energy programmes. These updates reflect evolving industry needs and ensure our graduates are equipped with cutting-edge technical and interdisciplinary skills. Our Geothermal Project Management courses, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Education New Zealand, and Jacobs, continue to thrive. These courses have successfully supported professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, combining technical training with leadership and strategic planning. Our portfolio of tailored short courses offers flexible, targeted training in areas such as reservoir modelling, geochemistry, and drilling operations. These courses are co-designed with industry partners to ensure immediate applicability and impact. These initiatives foster knowledge transfer, career development, and stronger connections between academia and industry. Together, these efforts underscore the Geothermal Institute’s commitment to building global geothermal capacity through innovative, inclusive, and impactful education and training.