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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.

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
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.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Learn more about Southern Utah University's Geothermal Apprenticeship Program
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

  • Course Introduction (02:06 minutes)
  • Voltz Podcast: Enhanced Geothermal Is Finally A Reality
  • TDC: Earth-Shattering Clean Energy Discovered: EGS
  • Course Kick-off Discussion Questions
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.

  • Energy Basics
  • Stanford Understand Energy: Energy Basics
  • Energy vs Power
  • The Unfolding Energy Transition
  • Introduction to Renewable Energy
  • Energy vs Power exercise
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

  • Geothermal Energy Overview Part 1
  • Geothermal Energy Overview Part 2
  • Wired: "A Vast Untapped Green Energy Source Is Hiding Beneath Your Feet"
  • New York Times: "Drill, Baby, Drill: The Promise of Geothermal Power"
  • Vox: Is the future of energy ... pouring water on hot rocks in the ground?
  • Stanford Understand Energy: Geothermal
  • Geovision Executive Summary (.pdf)
  • Ted: The untapped energy source that could power the planet
  • Geothermal Liftoff Report
  • Geothermal Energy Basics - Quiz
Module 4 • 8 assignments
Geoscience Fundamentals and Geothermal Resource Exploration

  • Key Concepts of Geothermal Systems in the Basin and Range Province (.pptx)
  • Uses of Geothermal Energy and Exciting Emerging Pursuits (.pptx)
  • Geothermal Energy: Overview of Concepts and Systems (17:47 minutes)
  • Geothermal in the West (21:18 minutes)
  • Subsurface flow of fluids, hydrothermal alteration, and exploration (.pptx)
  • Geothermal Exploration (23:25 minutes)
  • Geosciences and Geologic Exploration Quiz
  • Geothermal Exploration Activity (.pdf)
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Geothermal Well Development

  • Enhanced Geothermal Drilling
  • Optional Refresher on Drilling and Completions
  • Drilling Operations and Well Completions
  • Geothermal Energy Benefits and Applications Core
  • Nature and Dynamics of Geothermal Systems Core
  • Direct Use Applications of Geothermal Core
  • NREL Geothermal Drilling and Completions: Petroleum Practices Technology Transfer (.pdf)
  • OPTIONAL: Sandia National Laboratories Handbook of Best Practices for Geothermal Drilling (.pdf)
Module 6 • 9 assignments
Geothermal Power Production

  • How Binary Geothermal Power Stations Work
  • Geothermal Electricity Production Core
  • States of Matter
  • Vapor Pressure
  • Geovision: Geothermal Energy Production
  • OPTIONAL: How Dry Steam Geothermal Power Stations Work
  • OPTIONAL: How Double Flash Geothermal Power Stations Work
  • Geothermal energy for direct heat applications
  • Geothermal Power Generation Quiz
Module 7 • 10 assignments
Commercial Development

  • How electricity gets to you
  • What is a PPA?
  • Completing the clean energy puzzle
  • The impact of AI on energy demand
  • Enhanced Geothermal Shot Summit
  • Geovision: Geothermal Energy Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities
  • Optional: Electricity Markets 101
  • OPTIONAL: EGS, are we there yet?
  • The role of the oil and gas industry in geothermal
  • Chart: Geothermal has vast potential to meet the world's power needs
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!

  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)

Instructor

Tule Horton

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 FAQ
How 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.

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