Enhanced Geothermal Systems Course

Mark McClure

This Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) course provides a comprehensive introduction to a rapidly evolving clean energy technology utilizing hydraulic stimulation to increase geothermal well flow rates. Participants will explore the fundamentals of geothermal energy, flow and power calculations, stimulation mechanisms, and project-specific case studies such as Utah FORGE and Fervo Energy's projects. The course highlights dramatic recent improvements in well performance and drilling techniques that have reduced costs and boosted commercial viability. Attendees will gain insights into operational challenges like thermal longevity and induced seismicity, framed through real-world applications and practitioner expertise.Read more...

Who Should Take This Course
• Geothermal project developers and specialists
• Subsurface professionals in fractured reservoirs
• Technical managers assessing geothermal projects
• Engineers and geoscientists entering clean energy

What You Will Learn
• Basics of enhanced geothermal systems
• Design and evaluation of stimulation projects
• Interactions of heat, fluid flow, and fractures
• Differences between conventional and enhanced geothermal

Why This Course Works
• Uses real geothermal project examples
• Builds on existing oil and gas knowledge
• Focus on practical, field-relevant topics
• Instructor has extensive industry experience

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Course contents

    Chapter 2 - Calculating Flow and Power Output

    02-01 - Factors That Determine Flow Rate (23 min.)

    Chapter 3 - Mechanisms of Stimulation and Implications for Frac Design

    03-01 - Fracturing Modes (15 min.)

    03-02 - Conceptual Models for Stimulation (20 min.)

    Chapter 4 - EGS Stimulation Design

    04-01 - Challenges With Conventional Designs (27 min.)

    04-02 - Proppant Transport (7 min.)

    Chapter 5 - Thermal Breakthrough

    05-01 - Context and Significance (19 min.)

    05-02- Potential Role of Thermoelasticity (20 min.)

    Chapter 6 - Overview of the Utah FORGE Project

    06-01 - FORGE Background & Key Events (23 min.)

    Chapter 7 - Progress from Fervo Energy

    07-01 - Company & Project Overview (17 min.)

    07-02 - Project Cape (11 min.)

    Chapter 8 - Induced Seismicity

    08-01 - Motivation and Historical Experience (6 min.)

    08-02 - Earthquake Physics (8 min.)

    08-03 - Induced Seismicity Hazard Analysis (12 min.)

    08-04 - Induced Seismicity Protocol (7 min.)