About this Training Course
Geothermal reservoir engineering sits at the intersection of thermodynamics, fluid flow, and subsurface geology—making it essential for unlocking sustainable energy from the Earth. This 5-day advanced technical programme provides a comprehensive understanding of geothermal systems, focusing on how heat and fluids behave underground and how these can be efficiently extracted for power generation and direct use applications.
The course combines fundamental theory with real-world applications, guiding participants through geothermal system types, reservoir behaviour, drilling practices, and well performance evaluation. Participants will work with real datasets, engineering tools, and case studies drawn from global geothermal projects, enabling them to translate theory into practical decision-making in the field.
Designed for professionals working in geothermal and related energy sectors, the programme emphasises applied learning. By the end of the course, participants will have the technical confidence to assess geothermal resources, interpret field data, and address operational challenges such as scaling, corrosion, and reinjection—key factors in ensuring long-term reservoir sustainability.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Analyse global geothermal development trends and system types
- Apply thermodynamics and heat-transfer principles to geothermal resources
- Conduct heat in place assessments and reservoir evaluations
- Interpret downhole logs, completion tests and MWD data
- Evaluate scaling, corrosion, and reinjection challenges in geothermal fields
- Assess well discharge potential and productivity
This course is designed for technical professionals involved in subsurface energy systems, particularly those working in geothermal, oil & gas, and energy transition projects. It is highly relevant for individuals who need to understand reservoir behaviour, fluid flow, and thermal dynamics in real-world applications.
- Reservoir Engineers (Geothermal & Petroleum)
- Geoscientists (Geologists, Geophysicists, Petrophysicists)
- Drilling & Well Engineers
- Production & Steamfield Engineers
- Energy Project Engineers and Technical Managers
- Asset Integrity & Field Development Engineers
- Researchers, Academics, and Postgraduate Students in geothermal or energy systems
- Intermediate
- Advanced
The course is delivered through a blend of instructor-led lectures, hands-on data analysis, and real-world geothermal case studies. Participants engage with curated datasets, engineering tools, and guided exercises, supported by interactive discussions and technical Q&A sessions to reinforce learning and practical application.
Your expert course leader is an internationally recognised expert in geothermal reservoir engineering, with nearly three decades of experience spanning research, training, and field development. His work focuses on well testing, reservoir modelling, and optimisation of geothermal systems, making him a leading authority in the field.
He has contributed to the development and evaluation of more than 36 geothermal fields across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and North America. His hands-on industry experience includes resource assessment, well targeting, performance analysis, and reservoir simulation—core areas directly aligned with this course.
In addition to technical fieldwork, he has been actively involved in due diligence and field development projects, covering not only reservoir evaluation but also engineering aspects such as steamfield systems, flow measurement, two-phase flow behaviour, and power plant integration. His multidisciplinary expertise provides participants with a holistic understanding of geothermal operations.
Academically, he has played a pivotal role in advancing geothermal education, including restarting the geothermal training programme at the University of Auckland. He has published over 200 technical papers, holds eight patents, and authored two books, contributing significantly to global geothermal knowledge.
He has also held leadership roles in major industry organisations, including serving on the Board of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and contributing to global research collaborations. Currently, as Editor-in-Chief of Geothermics, he continues to shape the direction of geothermal research and innovation worldwide.
Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.
To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Request for further information post training support and fees applicable
Geothermal reservoir engineering studies underground heat and fluid systems. It looks at how heat, water, and steam move through rock. It also helps engineers produce energy in a safe and sustainable way. In addition, it uses reservoir models, fluid flow, and thermodynamics to guide field development.
Both systems involve fluid flow through porous rock. However, geothermal reservoirs focus on heat extraction rather than hydrocarbons. They often contain water and steam. They also operate at higher temperatures. Because of this, geothermal engineering must address scaling, corrosion, and reinjection more carefully.
The main types are hydrothermal systems, enhanced geothermal systems, and geopressured systems. Hydrothermal systems are the most common. They can be liquid-dominated or vapour-dominated. Enhanced geothermal systems improve rock permeability so operators can recover more heat.
Heat in place is the total thermal energy stored in a geothermal reservoir. Engineers use it to estimate the energy potential of a project. They calculate it from reservoir volume, rock and fluid properties, and temperature differences. As a result, it helps guide early project planning.
Geothermal reservoir management must deal with scaling, corrosion, pressure decline, and thermal depletion. These issues can reduce efficiency and raise costs. For this reason, engineers monitor reservoir behaviour closely. They also use models and field data to support long-term performance.
Engineers usually measure well productivity with discharge tests. These tests record flow rate, pressure, and enthalpy. The results show how well a geothermal system performs. They also help estimate power output and improve production plans.
Reinjection returns cooled fluid to the reservoir after heat extraction. It helps maintain pressure and supports sustainable production. It can also reduce environmental impact. However, poor reinjection design may cool the production zone too quickly.
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