The First Master in Geothermal Engineering Offered by a Petroleum Engineering School: Curriculum Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Abstract Renewables are seen as the future source of energy to meet the world’s growing demand, with geothermal resources offering a constant and independent supply. Trained staff will be needed to ensure successful implementation of ever more geothermal energy projects to help lower the dependency on energy imports and to develop a broader base in the future energy mix. The exploitation of geothermal resources faces many of the technical and commercial challenges that are encountered in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as analogous issues of social acceptance and environmental impact. Hence, it is logical to create more synergy between these two energy sectors and enhance the technology transfer, beginning with university education. A 2-year Master of Science (MS) in Geothermal Engineering, fully taught in English, has been developed at the Institute of Petroleum Engineering of Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Germany. It is the first dedicated MS of its kind offered by a Petroleum Engineering school. Following its accreditation, classes began in earnest in October 2014. A number of courses are offered in common with the MS in Petroleum Engineering at CUT to encourage graduates to acquire the broadest skill set they can, and so improve their global marketability and career prospects. Sharing classes also offers a unique, more balanced view of the global energy panorama. This paper describes the process of assessing the need for this new MS program and the potential market acceptance of a “geothermal engineer” professional profile. It then discusses the implementation of the lessons learnt from Petroleum Engineering curricula to build a geothermal program focused on the full project cycle, from exploration to production, with the associated challenges and opportunities ahead. It is hoped that other Petroleum Engineering departments in the world will follow CUT’s lead by expanding their curriculum offerings to include Geothermal Engineering.