Advanced Geothermal Resource Exploration and Reservoir Assessment Training Course for Resource Geologists

Module 1: Fundamentals of Geothermal Systems and Thermodynamics

ü  Principles of heat transfer: Conduction vs. Convection

ü  Components of a geothermal system: Heat source, reservoir, and caprock

ü  Classification by enthalpy and fluid state

ü  Thermodynamic properties of water and steam

ü  Practical Session: Calculating heat flow and geothermal gradients from borehole data

Module 2: Tectonic Settings and Geothermal Play Types

ü  Magmatic systems: Arc-related and Rift-related systems

ü  Non-magmatic systems: Deep circulation in extensional settings

ü  Basement-hosted vs. Sedimentary geothermal resources

ü  Global distribution of geothermal provinces

ü  Practical Session: Classifying play types using global tectonic map data sets

Module 3: Hydrothermal Alteration and Fluid-Rock Interaction

ü  Zonation of alteration minerals (Argillic, Phyllic, Propylitic)

ü  Using minerals as geothermometers (e.g., Epidote, Illite, Smectite)

ü  Alteration mapping techniques: Field vs. Spectroscopy

ü  Stable isotopes in hydrothermal studies

ü  Practical Session: Identifying alteration minerals in hand specimens and thin sections

Module 4: Structural Geology and Permeability Mapping

ü  Role of faults and fractures in fluid localization

ü  Stress field analysis and fault kinematics

ü  Identifying "blind" geothermal systems through structural indicators

ü  Permeability enhancement: Natural vs. Induced

ü  Practical Session: Structural mapping exercise using satellite imagery and rose diagrams

Module 5: Geochemical Exploration and Geothermometry

ü  Sampling techniques for hot springs, fumaroles, and wells

ü  Water chemistry interpretation: Ternary diagrams and Giggenbach plots

ü  Gas geochemisty and isotopes

ü  Solute geothermometers (Silica, Na-K-Mg)

ü  Practical Session: Applying silica and cation geothermometers to estimate reservoir temperatures

Module 6: Geophysical Methods in Geothermal Exploration

ü  Magnetotellurics (MT) and Resistivity structures

ü  Gravity and Magnetic surveys for basement mapping

ü  Micro-seismicity and active seismic interpretation

ü  Thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing

ü  Practical Session: Interpreting an MT cross-section to identify a clay cap and reservoir zone

Module 7: Conceptual Modeling and Data Integration

ü  Principles of data synthesis in 3D environments

ü  Defining boundary conditions and fluid flow pathways

ü  Visualizing the relationship between heat, structure, and fluid

ü  Validating models through iterative data check

ü  Practical Session: Building a 2D conceptual cross-section from integrated datasets

Module 8: Geothermal Resource Assessment and Volumetric Methods

ü  The "Stored Heat" method (Monte Carlo simulation)

ü  Determining recovery factors and plant efficiency

ü  Probabilistic vs. Deterministic resource estimation

ü  Resource classification codes (e.g., UNFC, Geothermal Reporting Code)

ü  Practical Session: Performing a Monte Carlo simulation for a prospect capacity estimate

Module 9: Exploration Risk Management and Drilling Target Siting

ü  Defining geological, technical, and commercial risk

ü  Siting strategies for exploratory and production wells

ü  Drilling engineering basics for geologists

ü  Well logging and mud logging integration

ü  Practical Session: Selecting and justifying the location of the "Discovery Well" on a prospect map

Module 10: Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Resource Management

ü  Subsidence, seismicity, and fluid chemistry management

ü  Reinjection strategies and reservoir pressure maintenance

ü  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for geothermal projects

ü  Community engagement and social license to operate

ü  Practical Session: Developing a monitoring plan for potential environmental hazards

About Our Trainers

Our lead trainers are world-renowned experts in geothermal geology, holding PhDs in Volcanology and Economic Geology. With over 20 years of field experience in the Rift Valleys of Africa, the Ring of Fire in Asia, and the Basin and Range province of North America, they bring a wealth of "on-the-ground" knowledge. They have consulted for major energy corporations and international development banks, leading dozens of successful exploration campaigns from greenfield stage to power plant commissioning.

Quality Statement

Phoenix Training Center is committed to the highest standards of technical excellence. Our curriculum is developed in alignment with the International Geothermal Association (IGA) best practices and is regularly updated to reflect the latest advancements in subsurface imaging and geochemical analysis. We ensure that our training delivers immediately applicable skills that meet international industry benchmarks.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202