What Stem Careers Are Involved In Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is renewable energy generated by harnessing heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. It comes from geothermal reservoirs located several miles below ground that contain hot water or steam.{cite url=”https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-energy-6″ } Geothermal power plants use this heat to generate electricity, while geothermal heating systems use it to provide direct heating and cooling.{cite url=”https://www.iea.org/reports/geothermal” }

The global geothermal energy industry was valued at $6.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $9.4 billion by 2027.{cite url=”https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/geothermal-energy-market-205152720.html”} Geothermal energy provides reliable baseload and flexible power generation with a small land footprint and low emissions. It also offers energy security by utilizing an abundant domestic resource.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers are critical for developing and deploying geothermal energy systems. Jobs in geoscience, reservoir engineering, drilling, plant design, construction, operations, and more require STEM skills and expertise. A talented STEM workforce will be essential for the continued growth of geothermal energy worldwide.

Table of Contents

Geologists

Geologists play a critical role in geothermal energy by finding potential sites for geothermal plants and evaluating geological formations to assess the feasibility of projects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geologists involved in geothermal energy “locate and assess geothermal resources that can be recovered economically.”

Specific responsibilities of geologists in geothermal energy include:

Conducting surveys of land areas to locate potential geothermal sites
Taking measurements and collecting samples from geological formations
Analyzing data and samples to evaluate the capacity and sustainability of geothermal resources

Identifying the most promising locations for geothermal power facilities
Preparing geological reports and recommendations on project viability

By leveraging their expertise in geology, geophysics, and geochemistry, geologists play an integral role in determining where to develop geothermal plants and ensuring they utilize the earth’s subsurface heat in a sustainable manner.

Geophysicists

Geophysicists play a critical role in geothermal energy by surveying potential sites and analyzing the subsurface rock properties. They use various geophysical techniques like seismic, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity to create detailed images of the subsurface and identify potential geothermal reservoirs.

Specifically, geophysicists may use seismic surveys to map underground rock structures and locate areas with hot, fluid-filled fractures that could produce steam. Magnetotelluric surveys can detect subsurface fluids and measure rock conductivity. Gravity surveys pinpoint dense rock indicative of geothermal potential. Resistivity surveys help locate hydrothermal resources.

By analyzing the resulting data and models, geophysicists can determine the most promising sites to drill geothermal wells and extract heat for energy production. Their expertise is key for accurately targeting reservoirs and reducing exploration costs.

Reservoir Engineers

Reservoir engineers play a key role in geothermal energy by designing development plans for geothermal reservoirs, optimizing energy extraction, and managing the reinjection process ¹. They analyze geological data to model the size and properties of underground reservoirs. This allows them to predict reservoir performance and determine the best locations for production and injection wells ². Throughout a project, reservoir engineers monitor variables like temperature, pressure, and flow rate. They use this data to update models and maximize the efficiency of energy extraction from the reservoir over its lifetime.

Managing reinjection of the geothermal fluid is a key responsibility. Reservoir engineers determine optimal reinjection rates and locations to maintain reservoir pressure and productivity. Their expertise in reservoir modeling and simulation enables geothermal projects to operate sustainably for decades.

Drilling Engineers

Drilling engineers are at the forefront of geothermal energy extraction and play a crucial role in every stage of a project (reference). They are responsible for designing well architecture and trajectories to optimize resource recovery. According to one source, “GRG geothermal drilling engineers design and drill wells to be mechanically sound, meeting the project needs, reducing drilling risk, and including analysis of formation pressures and temperatures to design drilling programs” (https://www.geothermalresourcegroup.com/exploration-geoscience-1/).

During drilling operations, drilling engineers oversee the work and ensure it is progressing safely and efficiently. They monitor parameters like weight on bit, torque, rate of penetration and mud properties. Drilling engineers also supervise the installation of well casing and cement to protect aquifers. Through their leadership and optimization, drilling engineers enable geothermal systems to operate reliably for decades.

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in geothermal energy operations by designing and maintaining the power plant equipment (source: https://www.mymajors.com/career/geothermal-power-generation-mechanical-engineer/). Their main responsibilities include:

– Designing components like turbines, pumps, heat exchangers, and piping for the geothermal power plant to convert the geothermal energy into electricity efficiently.

– Improving plant efficiency by analyzing performance data and identifying areas for upgrading equipment or processes.

– Maintaining and repairing geothermal power generation equipment to minimize downtime and ensure smooth plant operation.

Mechanical engineering expertise is essential for optimizing the equipment and systems that extract heat from geothermal reservoirs and generate renewable electricity.

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers play a key role in geothermal energy by analyzing the properties of geothermal fluids, developing extraction and injection processes, and mitigating issues like corrosion and scaling.¹ The geothermal fluids used for energy production often contain high concentrations of dissolved solids, gases, and other contaminants that can cause major problems if not properly handled.

Chemical engineers conduct extensive analysis on the fluid composition to determine the best methods for extracting heat and generating electricity. They develop chemical treatment processes to remove excess dissolved solids and gases while limiting corrosion, scale formation, and other issues. This involves selecting optimal materials for piping and equipment that can withstand the harsh geothermal environments.

Injection processes are also designed to properly dispose of depleted geothermal fluids after heat extraction. Chemical engineers model fluid flow through reservoirs and analyze reservoir permeability characteristics. Overall, their expertise in thermodynamics, chemical processes, and materials science is critical for unlocking the full potential of geothermal resources in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Environmental Engineers

Environmental engineers play a key role in geothermal energy by assessing environmental impacts, implementing sustainable practices, and managing waste disposal (Careers in Geothermal Energy). They conduct environmental impact studies to identify potential issues like habitat disturbance, seismic activity, or emissions. They recommend mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts. Environmental engineers also oversee the safe handling and disposal of any waste products from geothermal plants, including brines, sludges, and gases. They ensure facilities comply with regulations for wastewater, air emissions, and chemical storage and handling. Their expertise helps make geothermal power generation as sustainable as possible.

Project Managers

Project managers play a key role in geothermal energy projects by planning and overseeing all aspects from start to finish. They are responsible for developing detailed project plans, securing resources, managing budgets and timelines, and coordinating teams and stakeholders. According to job listings on sites like Indeed, geothermal project manager roles often require knowledge of geothermal systems, regulations, and industry best practices.

Specific responsibilities of a geothermal project manager include:

Developing scope, budget, timeline, risk management plans
Leading and motivating cross-functional teams
Coordinating with contractors, engineers, government agencies

Monitoring progress and costs, identifying issues
Implementing solutions to remove roadblocks
Managing change orders and contract negotiations

Ensuring compliance with regulations and permitting
Reporting on status to stakeholders and leadership

Successful project managers are detail-oriented, organized, excellent communicators, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Their oversight helps ensure geothermal projects meet objectives on time and on budget.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several key STEM roles involved in the geothermal energy industry, including geologists, geophysicists, reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, environmental engineers, and project managers. These professionals apply science, technology, engineering and math skills to locate geothermal resources, design and construct geothermal power plants, and ensure their safe and sustainable operation.

STEM skills are crucial for the continued growth and innovation in geothermal energy. As demand for renewable energy increases globally, the need for skilled geothermal workers will also rise. According to statistics, the geothermal workforce grew 5% in 2022, adding 1,000 new jobs. Significant employment growth is expected in the coming years as more geothermal capacity comes online.

With rising interest in renewable energy and efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence, the future outlook for geothermal jobs is promising. There will be increasing opportunities for STEM professionals to apply their expertise to advance geothermal technology and expand the world’s clean energy supply. A skilled geothermal workforce will be key to realizing the full potential of geothermal resources.