World-class training for the modern energy industry

An Introduction to GeoEnergy Transition Projects: Field Seminar in Cornwall, UK (G518)

Tutor(s)

Alistair Donohew: Director, Kovia Consulting Ltd.

Richard Swarbrick: Manager, Swarbrick GeoPressure.

Overview

Cornwall is exceptionally rich in geological resource and is emerging as an important location for developing new technologies in the UK transition to a Net Zero economy. This course provides a snapshot of several operational and demonstration GeoEnergy Transition projects, as well as visits to associated traditional Cornish outcrops and rejuvenated mining operations. Examples of specific projects to be investigated include a deep geothermal energy site and a critical mineral (lithium) extraction site. Participants will also investigate sites previously considered for deep storage of nuclear waste and locations associated with low enthalpy energy from mine waters. Participants will gain a practical and technical understanding of several geoenergy projects and should be able to apply this learning to other geological locations worldwide.

Duration and Logistics

A 6-day field course with a combination of field activities and exercises, plus classroom sessions.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course is intended for technical professionals working in related sectors. Participants will be shown the context and challenges for developing low carbon technologies for energy, as well as the parallel examination of surface renewable energy technologies.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Field locations are mainly accessed by a short walk of less than 1 mile (1.6km) along coastal paths or on sandy / cobbled beaches. Other field stops include working industrial sites (e.g. quarries).

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe and explain the geoenergy resource potential of Cornwall.
  2. Characterize ideal locations and explain technical factors that affect different resource potentials.
  3. Describe how wider factors can affect feasibility of certain geoenergy resources, including the environmental, social and economic (political and commercial) factors.
  4. Evaluate strategic choices for local and regional policy makers, as well as landowners and investors.

Geothermal Resources Assessment: Quantification and Classification (G515)

Tutor(s)

Gioia Falcone: Rankine Chair of Energy and Engineering, University of Glasgow.

Overview

This course covers the principles of geothermal resources assessment, encompassing quantification and classification best practices. Leveraging lessons learnt from the oil and gas sector, the course highlights the need for transparency in the approach. It presents the challenges and opportunities of comparing the assessment of different energy resources within a mixed energy portfolio, towards the transition to a sustainable Net zero future.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 2-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Four 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 4 days. A digital manual will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading is to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. The course is intended for energy policy makers, energy stakeholders in charge of investment and funding decisions, and oil and gas professionals transitioning towards sustainable energy opportunities.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the need for energy resource assessment.
  2. Describe different resource estimation methods.
  3. Interpret resource assessments according to different frameworks.
  4. Identify the uncertainties and risks associated with a geothermal resource assessment.
  5. Assess the impact of project definition on resource quantification and classification.
  6. Discuss the technical, economic, social and environmental nexus of energy resources assessment.

Geothermal Technologies and Well Design (G514)

Tutor(s)

Gioia Falcone: Rankine Chair of Energy and Engineering, University of Glasgow.

Overview

This course covers fundamental aspects of geothermal engineering, linking the subsurface to the point of sale (or point of use). It encompasses the main geothermal energy uses, focusing on deep geothermal resources exploitation methods, where wells are required. The course also covers conventional and unconventional geothermal technologies, including closed-loop solutions and hybrid energy development opportunities.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 2-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Four 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 4 days. A digital manual will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading is to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. The course is intended for geoscientists wishing to learn the engineering aspects of geothermal project implementation, and oil and gas professionals transitioning towards sustainable energy opportunities.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the different way in which a given geothermal energy resource can be exploited, and the associated uses.
  2. Describe how open-loop and closed-loop engineering solutions work.
  3. Interpret operational aspects of typical geothermal well designs.
  4. Identify the uncertainties and risks of different exploitation methods, vis-à-vis resource sustainability over project lifetime.
  5. Assess the impact of different well performance and well integrity aspects on ultimate recovery.
  6. Discuss and analyse case studies involving different geothermal technologies.

Nuclear Technology (G512)

Tutor(s)

Brian Matthews: Independent Consultant, Founder and Managing Director of TerraUrsa.

Overview

This course covers all aspects of nuclear technology and power production.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for people with a basic engineering or scientific background.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the scientific and technological background of nuclear power.
  2. Describe how a nuclear power plant/power station works.
  3. Characterize the effects and risk of radiation.
  4. Evaluate how the history of the nuclear industry has shaped policy and public engagement today.
  5. Interpret a typical nuclear fuel cycle (mining to disposal).
  6. Develop an understanding of the economics and policy surrounding nuclear power and its growth internationally.
  7. Assess the social impact of nuclear power and its benefits to climate change and achieving Net Zero.
  8. Understand the future options for nuclear technologies and how they can work alongside other technologies.

Fractures and Associated Structural Concepts for the GeoEnergy Transition: a Virtual Field Course (G511)

Tutor(s)

Richard Jones: Managing Director, Geospatial Research Ltd.

Overview

Making extensive use of virtual outcrop technologies, this course will provide participants with a field trip itinerary that includes contrasting natural fracture networks from a wide range of rock types and structural settings. The course will combine fieldwork-based appraisal of fractures with collation and processing of different types of fracture data and their practical uses in GeoEnergy Transition applications.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for geoscientists looking to understand the importance of fracture systems and to learn practical methods of appraising natural fracture networks. Target participants include geologists, geoengineers and hydrogeologists, as well as oil and gas professionals looking to apply their existing expertise in new sectors.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe the geometry and morphology of individual fractures in outcrop, and interpret the mode of fracturing.
  2. Assess relative timing of fractures, and designate fractures to different sets.
  3. Supplement outcrop data with interpretation from aerial and satellite imagery.
  4. Characterize spatial properties of the fracture network, including spacing, clustering and scaling (size-intensity) relationships.
  5. Evaluate the nature of fracturing in relation to larger scale features: folds, faults and mechanical stratigraphy.
  6. Collate fracture data to produce a conceptual fracture model.
  7. Understand the interplay between fractures and matrix, in terms of porosity and permeability, and the implications for fluid storage and flow.
  8. Predict the general performance of a fracture network in practical GeoEnergy Transition applications.
  9. Recognize the strengths and limitations of different sources of fracture data, and the advantage of combining field data with other data types.

An Introduction to Geospatial Workflows (G510)

Tutor(s)

Richard Jones: Managing Director, Geospatial Research Ltd.

Overview

This course provides a broad overview of geoinformatics and the practical application of geospatial technologies to tackle key challenges of the GeoEnergy Transition.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 1.5-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Three 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 3 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for any geoscientists looking to increase their understanding and practical experience of spatial data and workflows.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Recognise different types of spatial data, and how they can be represented and stored in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related software.
  2. Describe the pros and cons of 2-D and 3-D geospatial user interfaces as a primary way to organize and access data.
  3. Understand spatial resolution, precision and accuracy.
  4. Assess different approaches to evaluating spatial data, including geostatistics and geospatial analysis.
  5. Download and process earth observation satellite imagery.
  6. Acquire and process Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for high precision spatial positioning.
  7. Evaluate current trends in the GeoEnergy Transition.

Geology and Fractures for High Enthalpy Geothermal (G507)

Tutor(s)

David McNamara: Lecturer in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool.

Overview

This course covers aspects of geoscience relevant to high enthalpy geothermal systems. It will introduce the geothermal system play concept and geothermal field classification. Teaching materials and exercises will provide skill development in how to characterize important aspects of the geology of these geothermal systems from structural networks, permeability, geomechanics and more.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions, comprising three lecture sessions and two practical sessions (one on working with borehole image logs in geothermal wells and interpreting these datasets, and the other on stress field characterization from well data). The sessions are presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials (including well logs) will be distributed before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. The course is intended for all career stage industry professionals and early career researchers with a geoscience or geo-engineering background, including those with a familiarity in oil and gas production.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Recognize the geological components of a geothermal system play.
  2. Understand the range of data required to characterize a fractured geothermal reservoir.
  3. Characterize fracture and stress data from a geothermal reservoir that can be used in geomechanical models and flow models.
  4. Determine potential geological controls on well permeability.

Introduction to Low Enthalpy Geothermal Exploration (G506)

Tutor(s)

Mark Ireland: Senior Lecturer in Energy Geoscience, Newcastle University.

Overview

This course covers all aspects of low enthalpy geothermal exploration and production. It is intended as an introduction to the entire lifecycle of low enthalpy geothermal resources, covering aspects of geoscience and engineering.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for all career stage industry professionals and early career researchers with a geoscience or geo-engineering background, including those with a familiarity in oil and gas production.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the applications and use of low enthalpy geothermal energy.
  2. Recall the basic principles of heat generation within the upper crust.
  3. Describe the key characteristics of geothermal resources and reservoirs.
  4. Understand the production options for low enthalpy geothermal resources.
  5. Appreciate project risks and uncertainties in developing geothermal resources.

Subsurface Pressures for Injection of Fluids and Gases (G504)

Tutor(s)

Richard Swarbrick: Manager, Swarbrick GeoPressure.

Overview

This course covers all aspects of subsurface pressures with particular emphasis on pre-drill estimates and the conditions for injection and storage of fluids and gas, including hydrogen and CO2. Methods for estimating pressures from rock and fluid properties will be reviewed, as well as the processes that determine them in the subsurface prior to drilling. The impact of rock strength relative to fluid pressure at depth will also be discussed, in relation to injection rate limitations and storage volumes.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to before the course. Some reading and are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. Intended for geoscientists and engineers who are involved in drilling into reservoirs for the purpose of injecting, storing and producing fluid. Some knowledge of subsurface geology and the basics of drilling wells would be an advantage.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand how subsurface pressures determine safe injection, storage and production from deep reservoirs.
  2. Appreciate the processes that govern safe drilling, with particular emphasis on pore fluid and fracture pressures.
  3. Describe how to analyze subsurface pressure data and calibrate to estimate pore pressures from a variety of drilling and logging data.
  4. Relate regional and local rock stress magnitudes to failure of seals.
  5. Evaluate how to assess volumes that can be safely sequestered in underground storage.
  6. Interpret typical pressure profiles, in terms of subsurface fluid processes, such as lateral drainage (open aquifers) and lateral transfer (enhanced pressures and a drilling surprise).
  7. Perform basic pressure prediction calculations and estimate storage volumes.
  8. Review and critique relevant case study material.

Critical Minerals for the GeoEnergy Transition (G503)

Tutor(s)

Lucy Crane: Sustainability and Communications Manager, Cornish Lithium.

Overview

This course covers all aspects of the crucial role that mineral extraction will play in the energy transition. Building the low-carbon technologies required to combat climate change, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries, will be hugely mineral intensive. The impact of this increased extraction is often overlooked, yet it’s vital that these materials are sourced and extracted in the most responsible manner possible. This course explores where certain critical raw materials are currently produced and the impacts of their global supply chains, as well as examining how new technologies are aiding exploration for and extraction of new deposits. It also discusses challenges faced by responsible sourcing, and the growing importance of ESG within the mining industry.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 1.5-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Three 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 3 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for industry professionals, though it is suitable for penultimate year undergraduate university students and above.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the wider context behind the mineral intensity of the energy transition.
  2. Define what is a ‘critical’ raw material.
  3. Describe how new technologies are ‘unlocking’ mineral deposits which have previously been considered unconventional.
  4. Understand the technical challenges associated with production of certain critical raw materials.
  5. Describe how environmental, social and geopolitical factors can also influence an element’s ‘criticality’.
  6. Begin to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of current global supply chains.
  7. Understand the role mineral extraction has to play in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, alongside various industry operating codes and principles.
  8. Assess the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in project success.