About this Training Course
This intensive three-day workshop provides a practical foundation in geothermal resource evaluation and decision-making using a conceptual modelling framework. Participants experience the full lifecycle of geothermal exploration and development, from determining the existence of a viable geothermal reservoir through to making informed investment decisions on power plant construction. The workshop mirrors real-world geothermal project workflows, requiring participants to assess uncertainty, integrate multidisciplinary data, and continuously refine interpretations as new information becomes available.
The training centres around a progressive series of realistic, hands-on exercises based on a magmatically heated, volcanic-hosted geothermal system case study. Short lectures introduce essential concepts before each exercise, covering geothermal geology, geochemistry, geophysics, thermodynamics of fluid flow, conceptual model construction, geothermal well targeting, well log interpretation, and probabilistic resource capacity estimation. Participants work in small multidisciplinary teams, designing exploration campaigns, developing conceptual models, targeting wells, and generating probabilistic predictions for electrical power capacity.
Through iterative model updating, decision-making exercises, and expert feedback, participants gain practical insight into how uncertainty influences geothermal development strategies. The workshop culminates in a full comparison between team predictions and actual case-study outcomes, reinforcing lessons learned and providing direct validation of decision-making approaches. Over the past 25 years, this workshop has become a globally respected training platform for geoscientists, engineers, and decision-makers involved in geothermal and subsurface energy projects.
Q1. What is geothermal resource assessment?
Geothermal resource assessment evaluates subsurface heat, fluid flow, and reservoir properties. The goal is to estimate the viability and power potential of a geothermal system. It integrates geological, geochemical, geophysical, and drilling data into conceptual models. These models describe how heat and fluids circulate underground. As a result, teams can quantify uncertainty and forecast sustainable energy output. In the Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop, participants learn how this process supports exploration decisions.
Q2. How do conceptual models support geothermal exploration?
Conceptual models combine surface and subsurface data. They show the structure, heat source, fluid pathways, and reservoir behaviour of geothermal systems. Therefore, these models guide exploration strategy, well targeting, and resource forecasting. In addition, they help teams understand uncertainty and predict subsurface conditions. During the Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop, participants update these models as new data appears.
Q3. What are volcanic-hosted geothermal systems?
Volcanic-hosted geothermal systems are reservoirs heated by magma beneath volcanic regions. These systems often show high temperatures and strong surface activity. Structural controls are often complex. As a result, they can offer high energy potential. However, they also involve greater geological uncertainty. In the Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop, participants study this type of system through a practical case study.
Q4. What are the main challenges in geothermal exploration?
Geothermal exploration faces several challenges. First, subsurface conditions remain uncertain because reservoir data is limited before drilling. In addition, drilling costs are high and geological structures can be complex. Variable permeability may also affect fluid circulation. Therefore, teams use integrated data interpretation and probabilistic models to manage exploration risk. These challenges form a key topic in the Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop.
Q5. How does geothermal compare with oil and gas exploration?
Both geothermal and oil and gas exploration involve subsurface studies and drilling. However, geothermal projects focus on heat and fluid flow rather than hydrocarbons. Therefore, geothermal exploration often emphasizes structural geology and hydrothermal systems. In addition, geothermal energy is renewable and can supply long-term electricity with lower environmental impact.
Q6. What are future trends in geothermal development?
Several trends shape geothermal development. For example, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) target deeper and less permeable rocks. In addition, improved drilling technology allows access to new geothermal resources. Advanced geophysical imaging also helps map subsurface structures. As a result, geothermal projects may expand beyond volcanic regions.