National Geothermal Training Institute (NGTI)

An interview with the Co-Founder

Proposed Curriculum: The NGTI will offer 8 x 1 week courses with additional field trips and a project. Courses include (1) Introduction to Geothermal Energy Utilization, (2) Geothermal Business Principles, (3) Public Policy, Permitting, and Environmental Issues, (4) Exploration I, (5) Exploration II, (6) Reservoir Engineering and Management, (7) Power Plant Design and Construction, and (8) Direct Use. Further detail is available in the Preliminary Curriculum.

Our Mission: The National Geothermal Training Institute will develop the human resources necessary to grow the U.S. energy infrastructure, and utilize America’s vast geothermal resource base.  The Institute creates a centrally located, convening organization for developing and conducting instructional programs in geothermal science and technology. We educate and train the next generation of U.S. scientists, engineers, plant operators, technicians, and policy makers. 

Location: The Redfield Campus of the University of Nevada, Reno serves as the Institute's hub, with its state-of-the-art classroom facilities, conference centers, and laboratories. It is adjacent to several of Ormat's Organic Rankine Cycle geothermal power plants.

Expected Operation Date:  We envision beginning in late summer 2010 with a short course constructed of modules (e.g., 8 x 1 week modules on topics ranging from exploration, reservoir engineering, power plants, drilling, direct use, EGS, etc.).  Each week-long module would have an end point with an examination, after which students would start the next session.