Geotrainet – A New European Initiative for Training and Education of Planners, Drillers and Installers of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Abstract

The aim of the project “Geo-Education for a sustainable geothermal heating and cooling market”, GEOTRAINET, is to develop the training of professionals involved in Ground Source Heat Pump installations (GSHP). From the different groups of professionals involved in a GSHP, the GEOTRAINET project is focused on two target groups: designers (who undertake feasibility studies including geology) and drillers (who make the boreholes and insert the tubes). The project includes the creation of an EU-wide certification scheme for both planners and installers of GSHP. Another project activity will be the definition and development assistance for the necessary EU-wide technical standards.
Visible results of the project will be the curricula, learning tools, manuals, an e-learning platform for the designers and the trainers, and several courses to be launched during the project duration. The goal, however, is to co-operate with the relevant professional associations, teaching institutions, etc. in order to establish a training and education framework going farther and lasting longer than the project – and providing the human resources necessary to sustain a sound and healthy growth of the GSHP market in Europe.