National Geothermal Academy 2019
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office
The National Geothermal Academy was a success in 2019, with two modules offered and fieldtrips to visit Ormat’s Steamboat geothermal power plant, and Dixie Valley (led by Prof. Dave Blackwell):
Module 1: Geothermal Geostatistics
Dates: 10-14th June 2019 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Instructors: Dr. Cary Lindsey and Dr. Whitney Trainor-Guitton.
This course aimed to teach geoscience and engineering students and professionals how to perform exploratory statistical analysis on a variety of datasets relevant to geothermal exploration and production, as well as how to create 2D and 3D statistical models from these data. Participants worked in teams to complete exercises using industry-relevant data from geothermal sites around the world such as thermal data, fluid chemistry and alteration mineralogy. In addition to exercises throughout the course, the participants created 2D and 3D temperature and reservoir models using geostatistical methods as capstone projects. Participants learnt to design and carry out geo- and spatial statistics and visualizations in the R, ArcGIS, and SGeMS software environments.
Module 2: Geothermal Geophysics
Dates: 17th-21st June 2019 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Instructors: Dr. Joe Batir, Dr. David Blackwell, Karen Christopherson, and Dr. Jeff Witter
This course aimed to teach geoscience and engineering students and professionals the fundamentals of geophysical techniques commonly used in geothermal exploration and resource development, specifically thermal geophysics, magnetotellurics (MT), gravity and magnetics. In addition to traditional lectures and group discussions, course participants completed hands-on exercises throughout the week to consolidate their learning.
National Geothermal Academy 2018
The National Geothermal Academy ran in June 2018, with a geoscience focus: Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop.
Dates: 18-22nd June 2018 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Instructors: William Cumming, Nicholas Hinz, Bridget Ayling and others.
This course focused on developing geothermal conceptual models and how they are used to support a resource decision assessment process. Participants worked in teams to complete exercises using real data from magmatically-heated, volcano-hosted geothermal systems, and, deep-circulation heated, fault- and sediment-hosted geothermal systems, to simulate the experience of professionals advising a geothermal developer in making high-value resource decisions. It was an intensive, fun week, and we hope to see you at another NGA course in the future! Stay tuned for updates on next years’ course offerings.
National Geothermal Academy 2017
The 2017 National Geothermal Academy was a success! Two week-long modules were offered with an engineering focus, and 23 students attended the academy. We hope you can join us in Reno in 2018 for our next session!
