About this course
Explore enhanced geothermal energy systems, from commercial development to construction! Upon completion, learners should have a greater understanding of the energy transition at large, the role of geothermal in decarbonization, basic EGS drilling and completions operations, and career opportunities in the field. This course is for energy enthusiasts, rig workers, and anyone in between!
This course brings together expert knowledge from across the geothermal industry through a combination of exclusive content and carefully curated external resources, including video lectures and demonstrations from leading industry experts. While you'll navigate between our platform and these valuable external materials, this approach allows us to share the most current and comprehensive insights from the field's top minds.
This course brings together expert knowledge from across the geothermal industry through a combination of exclusive content and carefully curated external resources, including video lectures and demonstrations from leading industry experts. While you'll navigate between our platform and these valuable external materials, this approach allows us to share the most current and comprehensive insights from the field's top minds.
Fundamentals of Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems is a free, introductory course for those who are interested to learn more about enhanced geothermal energy systems from an introductory, interdisciplinary approach. For those who are interested in deepening their learning and professional skill development, we encourage you to participate in Southern Utah University's first-of-it's-kind geothermal operations technician apprenticeship program. The program, administered by SUU and funded in part by Elemental, will provide those seeking new skill sets with the opportunity to learn geothermal directional drilling and well completions, while combining on-the-job training with college-level coursework on geology and energy systems. This unique approach offers pathways for traditional college students as well as adult and working learners interested in careers in the geothermal energy industry.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer within the Earth's crust and how geological formations influence geothermal resource potential
- Analyze geological data to evaluate the suitability of specific locations for enhanced geothermal system development, considering factors such as rock permeability, temperature gradients, and structural features
- Demonstrate understanding of how geothermal heat is converted into electricity
- Compare oil and gas drilling operations with geothermal drilling operations to identify areas for technological and knowledge transfer as well as areas for new innovation
- Evaluate the role of enhanced geothermal systems as a clean, firm power resource in the U.S. electricity grid, analyzing it's advantages and limitations compared to other energy resources
Course outline
9 modules
55 - 75 hours to complete
1:04 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Introduction to Geothermal Energy Systems
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Introduction to Geothermal Energy Systems
Welcome to the comprehensive course on Next-Generation Geothermal Energy Systems! This course delves into the cutting-edge technologies and advancements reshaping the landscape of geothermal energy. Explore the principles, design methodologies, and operations driving the evolution of sustainable and efficient geothermal power generation for the future
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Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.
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Module 2 • 6 assignments
Renewable Energy: The need, recent progress, and the current state of the industry
Module 2 • 6 assignments
Renewable Energy: The need, recent progress, and the current state of the industry
This modules takes a high level look at the US's energy landscape and the emerging renewable energy industry. It delves into recent breakthroughs and advancements in renewable technologies and where these trends are headed.
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Module 3 • 10 assignments
Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Module 3 • 10 assignments
Introduction to Geothermal Energy
With a high-level overview of our energy system under our belt, let's dive into geothermal energy
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Module 4 • 8 assignments
Geoscience Fundamentals and Geothermal Resource Exploration
Module 4 • 8 assignments
Geoscience Fundamentals and Geothermal Resource Exploration
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Module 5 • 8 assignments
Geothermal Well Development
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Geothermal Well Development
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Module 6 • 9 assignments
Geothermal Power Production
Module 6 • 9 assignments
Geothermal Power Production
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Module 7 • 10 assignments
Commercial Development
Module 7 • 10 assignments
Commercial Development
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Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
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Instructor
Tule Horton is a Strategy Associate at Fervo Energy and leads the organization’s workforce development and Inflation Reduction Act implementation. Tule is passionate about decarbonization, energy systems, and ensuring a just energy transition. Tule has worked in partnership with Southern Utah University and Elemental Impact to launch the first ever geothermal drilling...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board every Monday.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.