Geothermal Energy Systems and Their Role in Energy Transition
Geothermal Energy Systems and Their Role in Energy Transition
Course Description
This one-day intermediate-level course on Geothermal Energy provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of geothermal energy utilization, including shallow ground-source heat pumps, direct use of geothermal heat (hydrothermal systems), high-temperature power generation, and heat storage technologies. The course covers both exploration techniques and engineering solutions required for their successful implementation.
Course Outline
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Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Overview of geothermal energy as a renewable resource
Classification of geothermal systems:
Shallow geothermal (ground-source heat pumps – GSHP)
Direct-use hydrothermal systems
High-temperature geothermal for power generation
Geothermal heat storage (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage – ATES & Borehole Thermal Energy Storage – BTES)
Global potential and key projects
2. Shallow Geothermal Energy & Heat Pump Systems
Principles of ground-source heat pumps (GSHP)
Subsurface heat transfer and seasonal variations
Design and engineering aspects of shallow geothermal installations
Case studies on heat pump applications in residential and commercial
buildings
3. Geothermal Heat Storage Technologies
Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) and its applications
Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) and system design
Challenges and opportunities in large-scale heat storage projects
Case studies on geothermal heat storage for district heating
4. Direct Use of Geothermal Heat (Hydrothermal Systems)
Overview of low-to-medium temperature hydrothermal resources
Industrial, agricultural, and district heating applications
Exploration techniques: geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys
Well drilling and reservoir management
5. High-Temperature Geothermal Energy & Power Generation
Key concepts of high-enthalpy geothermal systems
Flash steam, binary cycle, and dry steam power plants
Reservoir exploration and assessment (geochemical, geophysical, and
structural approaches)
Well design and production technology
6. Exploration & Engineering Implementation
Geothermal resource mapping and assessment methods
Drilling and well completion techniques for different geothermal applications
Reservoir management and sustainability considerations
Key challenges in scaling, corrosion, and reinjection strategies
7. Geothermal Energy Potential Calculation Fundamentals
Heat in place estimation: Methods to evaluate geothermal resource potential
Volumetric approach for geothermal reservoir assessment
Energy extraction efficiency and sustainability considerations
Comparison of geothermal potential with other renewable energy sources
Case studies on geothermal energy assessments
8. Case Studies and Future Trends
Successful geothermal projects worldwide
Advances in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
Opportunities and challenges for geothermal expansion
Q&A and open discussion
Participants’ Profile
Engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, energy professionals, and policymakers interested in geothermal energy exploration and
Implementation.
Prerequisites
A basic to intermediate understanding of seismic data processing would be beneficial. While prior knowledge of offshore wind farm development may be helpful, it is not required.
About the Instructor
Andrea Moscariello holds an MSc in Geological Sciences from the University of Turin and a PhD from the University of Geneva.
After a Post Doc at the US Geological Survey, he joined Shell UK E&P in 1997, working in development and exploration in the North Sea. From 2002 to 2005, he was a subsurface business consultant in Shell E&P International, contributing to projects across multiple regions. In 2004, he became a global technical expert for clastic reservoirs.
In 2007, Andrea joined SGS Horizon as Reservoir Geology Manager, later becoming Managing Director in Aberdeen and Business Development Director in The Hague. In 2010, he founded Earth Resources B.V., providing geological consultancy. He has held academic positions at Cambridge and Delft University and, since 2011, has been a Full Professor at the University of Geneva.
Andrea is active in professional organizations, has served on research committees, and has co-authored over 120 scientific articles and reports.