New Free Course Announcement: Fundamentals of Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems

Imagine a renewable energy source that can power millions of homes 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, while maintaining a smaller land footprint than coal, wind, or solar installations. That’s the promise of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which could provide up to 90 gigawatts of clean, reliable power by 2050. 

By creating engineered reservoirs that inject fluid into hot underground rocks, EGS technology can overcome natural limitations and expand geothermal energy access nationwide. This approach produces electricity with no greenhouse gas emissions and life cycle emissions four times lower than solar PV and 6-20 times lower than natural gas. Geothermal power plants also consume less water on average over the lifetime energy output than most conventional power generation methods. 

The clean energy transition needs more skilled professionals who understand this emerging technology. That’s why Tule Horton from Fervo Energy compiled the comprehensive, free Fundamentals of Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems (EGS) course, designed for renewable energy enthusiasts, oil and gas workers looking to transition to geothermal, and anyone interested in learning about sustainability energy.

This introductory course brings together foundational knowledge from across the geothermal industry, offering learners a blend of exclusive content and carefully curated external resources.

Upon completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• 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 site suitability for EGS development, considering factors like 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, identifying opportunities for both technological transfer and new innovation
• Evaluate enhanced geothermal systems as a clean, firm power resource in the U.S. electricity grid, analyzing their advantages and limitations compared to other energy sources

The course is structured into eight comprehensive modules:

1. Introduction to Geothermal Energy Systems
2. Renewable Energy: The need, recent progress, and the current state of the industry
3. Introduction to Geothermal Energy
4. Geoscience Fundamentals and Geothermal Resource Exploration
5. Geothermal Well Development
6. Geothermal Power Production
7. Commercial Development
8. Feedback & Additional Resources

For those looking to take their learning further, this course serves as an excellent foundation for Southern Utah University’s pioneering geothermal operations technician apprenticeship program. This first-of-its-kind program combines hands-on training in geothermal directional drilling and well completions with college-level coursework in geology and energy systems.

Whether you’re an energy professional looking to expand your expertise, a student exploring career opportunities, or simply someone interested in understanding the future of clean energy, this course offers valuable insights into the rapidly growing field of enhanced geothermal systems.

Ready to begin your journey into the world of geothermal energy? Enroll now in the free Fundamentals of Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems course.