| Abstract |
Initiated in 2010 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), the National Geothermal Academy (NGA) serves to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, plant operators, technicians, and policy makers. In spite of the size of the U.S. university enterprise, no single institution has ever had, nor is likely to have, the breadth of faculty expertise to teach all aspects of geothermal energy science and technology. The idea behind the NGA was to create a centrally located, convening organization for developing and conducting instructional programs in all aspects of geothermal science and technology. The goal was to include instructional content that covers the “end-to-end” development of a geothermal system for electrical power generation, from initial exploration to market and political policies that make geothermal power plants cost competitive. The emerging and high-growth areas of direct use and ground source heat pumps were also included. Geothermal experts, faculty from a consortium of U.S. universities, along with professionals from industry, were recruited to serve as instructors to develop and teach relevant curricula. We created eight topical modules or week long short courses offered through University of Nevada, Reno’s Extended Studies program for undergraduate or graduate credit in engineering or geology. The course is also offered as professional development for those employed in the geothermal industry. There are currently 15 instructors from various universities and industry working together to further develop the NGA course as a self-funded and self-sustaining enterprise. The course was held during the summers of 2011 through 2014, serving a total of 138 students. The student population included graduates, undergraduates, and professionals. Forty-seven students were international from a total of 23 countries. The first two summers were eight-week long programs offering all individual modules and we have since transitioned to focused shorter programs alternating between geoscience and engineering content. |