World-class training for the modern energy industry

Type: Virtual

Induced Seismicity in Geothermal Fields (G568)

Tutor(s)

Emmanuel Gaucher: Senior Research Geophysicist, Geothermal Energy and Reservoir Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Overview

This course covers fundamental and practical aspects associated with induced seismicity in deep geothermal fields. A refresher of the most relevant rock mechanics and seismological aspects will be followed by a review of the main observations and modelling approaches. Monitoring concepts for risk mitigation or reservoir imaging will also be presented.

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. This course will also contain practical exercises to reinforce key learnings. (In the virtual sessions, individual simplified questions will be asked; for a classroom version of the course, attendees will work in small groups.)

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for geoscientists wishing to learn what seismicity in geothermal fields is, how it is induced and how we could mitigate it while using it for imaging purposes. Geoscientists from the oil and gas industry sensitive to hydrofrac operations can also join to understand differences.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Assess induced seismicity characteristics to gain critical information, such as location, magnitude and fault plane solutions.
  2. Evaluate the pros and cons of the methods used to determine seismic information.
  3. Design the main features of a seismic monitoring network for specific monitoring objectives within a given geological context.
  4. Propose appropriate sensor deployment type(s), data management procedures and processing sequence.
  5. Identify the main drivers for induced seismicity in a geothermal field.
  6. Predict likely operations that could induce seismicity according to subsurface properties and structures, and identify the most critical ones.
  7. Propose appropriate mitigation approaches taking account of the subsurface characteristics and operations proposed.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Legal, Regulatory, Finance and Public Acceptance Aspects (G566)

Tutor(s)

Mike Stephenson: Director, Stephenson Geoscience Consultancy Ltd.

Overview

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a new technology that has a vital place within global efforts to decarbonise. It has a unique set of challenges, opportunities and risks to be understood and accommodated within appropriate legal, regulatory, and social and public licence frameworks. The course will provide up to date and relevant information to help in understanding opportunities and in managing risk. The course will cover: the role of CCS within a decarbonised energy system; risks of capture, transport and storage; aspects of monitoring; the importance of test and demonstration sites; legal and regulatory; finance; and public acceptance and social licence.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 1-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: Two 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 2 days. A digital manual will be distributed to participants before the course, which will be a mix of lectures and exercises.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course will cater for in-company legal specialists, project managers, marketing and communications specialists; as well as planners and environmental scientists in regulatory roles in regions considering the development of CCS.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the place of CCS within a decarbonized energy system.
  2. Demonstrate the basics of the science and risk in capture, transport and storage.
  3. Illustrate the role of monitoring and MMV (Measurement, Monitoring and Verification).
  4. Examine how legal and regulatory frameworks respond to the challenges of CCS.
  5. Establish how CCS could be financed.
  6. Relate to and understand public opinion and social licence in relation to CCS.

Geomodelling for CO2 Storage (G560)

Tutor(s)

Matthew Jackson: Chair in Geological Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London.

Overview

This course provides an overview of all subsurface aspects of geomodelling relevant to CO2 storage. The course includes an introduction to the principles and practice of geomodelling; reservoir characterization for CO2 storage, including geological, geophysical and petrophysical considerations; methods used to produce 3-D geomodels; approaches to uncertainty characterization and quantification; and an overview of available software tools. The course does not provide hands-on training in these software tools, but rather provides the background understanding for software tool selection and associated training from vendor(s). The concepts and methods are illustrated using numerous practical examples of geomodelling studies.

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

Advanced. The course is intended for professionals with experience of, or background in, a related subsurface geoscience area and those directly working on CO2 storage projects.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Characterize the underlying aims and concepts of ‘fit for purpose’ reservoir geomodelling.
  2. Prepare different types and associated applications of geomodels for CO2 storage.
  3. Validate reservoir characterization data for CO2 storage, including geology, geophysics and petrophysics.
  4. Assess methods for quantitative 3-D geomodel construction, including advantages and disadvantages of each.
  5. Manage performance metrics for geomodels.
  6. Appraise the importance of, and methods for, quantitative uncertainty assessment.
  7. Rate the different software tools used for geomodelling.
  8. Evaluate practical examples of geomodelling for CO2 storage.

The Fundamentals of Hydrogen Energy (G903)

Tutor(s)

Kevin Taylor: Professor in Energy Geoscience, University of Manchester.

Overview

The aim of this course is to give an overview of the fundamental aspects of the current hydrogen energy landscape. This will include a range of topics, including what hydrogen is and why it can potentially be a significant fuel and energy carrier, the different methods in which it can be produced, its potential role in decarbonization of energy and heat, how it can be stored in the subsurface, and its place overall within the energy transition.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A half-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: One 3-hour interactive online session. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Awareness. The course is aimed at non-technical staff and those who do not have a scientific background but want a basic introduction to the topic. The subject matter will be covered from very basic principles and will be of interest to staff from a range of departments, including legal, graphics, administration and technical support.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand what hydrogen is and why it can be used as a fuel and energy carrier.
  2. Describe how hydrogen can be produced and the resulting different types and terminology.
  3. Appreciate the role hydrogen can play in decarbonizing energy and heat, and the competing demands in the hydrogen energy landscape.
  4. Appreciate the different storage options for hydrogen, particularly in the subsurface.
  5. Recall details of the developing hydrogen supply chains, including infrastructure and distribution networks.

The Fundamentals of Carbon Capture and Storage (G902)

Tutor(s)

Richard Worden: Professor in the Department of Earth Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of what carbon capture and storage is, how it works and its role in decarbonization and the energy transition.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A half-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: One 3-hour interactive online session. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Awareness. The course is aimed at non-technical staff and those who do not have a scientific background but want a basic introduction into the topic. The subject matter will be covered from very basic principles and be of interest to staff from a range of departments, including legal, graphics, administration and technical support.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand what carbon capture and storage is.
  2. Appreciate why carbon capture and storage is needed to reduce emissions.
  3. Outline how carbon capture and storage works.
  4. Discuss carbon capture and storage project risks and uncertainties.

The Fundamentals of Wind and Solar Power (G907)

Tutor(s)

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

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of wind and solar power technology, how it works and its role in decarbonization and the energy transition.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A half-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: One 3-hour interactive online session. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Awareness. The course is aimed at non-technical staff and those who do not have a scientific background but want a basic introduction into the topic. The subject matter will be covered from very basic principles and be of interest to staff from a range of departments including legal, graphics, administration and technical support.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand why there is a need to transition to renewable energy.
  2. Recall the challenges of a Net Zero energy transition.
  3. Appreciate how wind and solar power technology works and what the management of an asset looks like through its life.
  4. Describe what the business opportunities are for using, developing and investing in renewable energy.
  5. Have an awareness of what the policy and government strategies are that support a Net Zero transition.

The Fundamentals of Geothermal Energy (G904)

Tutor(s)

Mark Ireland: Lecturer in Energy Geoscience, Newcastle University.

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of what geothermal energy is and how it can be used in our modern world.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A half-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: One 3-hour interactive online session. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Awareness. The course is aimed at non-technical staff and those who do not have a scientific background but want a basic introduction to the topic. The subject matter will be covered from very basic principles and will be of interest to staff from a range of departments, including legal, graphics, administration and technical support.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand what geothermal energy is.
  2. Outline the applications and use of geothermal energy.
  3. Describe the key characteristics of geothermal resources.
  4. Discuss geothermal project risks and uncertainties.

Principles of Subsurface Energy Storage (G564)

Tutor(s)

Kevin Taylor: Professor in Energy Geoscience, The University of Manchester.

Overview

The aim of this course is to give an overview of the requirement, and the range of subsurface solutions, for energy storage. It will cover the key aspects of energy supply and demand, the role that subsurface energy storage can play in addressing this, and the key role that subsurface energy storage will play in decarbonizing energy as a key part of the energy transition. We will cover the fundamental geological, technical, environmental and societal aspects of hydrogen storage, compressed air storage, natural gas storage and heat storage. We also will briefly cover emerging solutions, such as chemical subsurface storage and geo-batteries.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 1-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: Two 3.5-hour interactive online sessions. Some short exercises (e.g. handling some basic data, estimating energy storage capacity, etc.) will be undertaken within the course. In-course questions / polls will be included. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is aimed at technical staff from a wide range of backgrounds, and an understanding of specific subsurface geoscience / engineering will not be assumed. The subject matter will be covered from first principles and will be of interest to staff from a range of backgrounds, including geological, engineering and commercial.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Understand the nature of energy demand and supply within the context of the energy transition and the necessity for energy storage.
  2. Recognize the different ways in which energy can be stored in the subsurface, including natural gas storage, hydrogen storage, compressed air storage and heat storage.
  3. Appreciate the specific geological and technical requirements for different energy storage solutions, along with examples of where these are being deployed.
  4. Appreciate the challenges around subsurface storage, including fluids, gas and geomicrobiology aspects.
  5. Be able to frame subsurface energy storage within environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.

Geothermal Drilling and Completion (G558)

Tutor(s)

Catalin Teodoriu: Mewbourne Chair in Petroleum Geology, The University of Oklahoma.

Overview

This course covers fundamental aspects of geothermal drilling and completion engineering, highlighting the differences between conventional oil and gas and geothermal activities. It encompasses the main geothermal drilling characteristics, focusing on deep geothermal well construction and completion concepts. The course also covers conventional and unconventional geothermal technologies, addressing the need of drilling and completion challenges. The last part of the course will concentrate on well integrity aspects, ranging from existing oil and gas wells to built-for-purpose geothermal wells.

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 4-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 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. Identify key factors in streamlining geothermal project decision making processes.
  2. Understand different management styles and their impacts on geothermal planning and execution.
  3. Identify the uncertainties and risks associated with drilling geothermal wells.
  4. Assess the impact of different well construction and completion concepts on the life of the well integrity.
  5. Discuss and analyze case studies involving different geothermal well construction solutions.

An Introduction to Clastic and Carbonate Depositional Systems (G064)

Tutor(s)

Jon Noad: Senior Palaeontologist at Stantec and President of Sedimental Services.

Overview

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of clastic and carbonate depositional settings. Different systems will be analysed in terms of their sedimentary structures, architecture and subsurface character. The first section will focus on clastic settings including aeolian, fluvial and shallow marine and especially the nature of the preserved sand bodies in the subsurface. The second section will explore the diverse topic of carbonate depositional settings, including the ranges of carbonate textures and facies that can be preserved and the different types of porosity. Each section will incorporate case studies, exercises and core examples.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: 3 days including a mix of lectures and exercises. The course manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring along a laptop or tablet to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Three, 3.5 hour online sessions presented over 3 days. Digital course notes and exercises will be distributed to participants before the course.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is largely aimed at geoscientists who are working on subsurface projects where a wide-ranging understanding of both clastic and carbonate depositional systems is required.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Recognise different clastic environments of deposition including fluvial, aeolian deltaic and shallow marine.
  2. Recognise different sedimentary structures and sedimentary architectures.
  3. Understand the types of sand bodies and associated stacking patterns that are preserved in clastic depositional settings.
  4. Describe the heterogeneities in subsurface clastic reservoirs that can impact fluid flow.
  5. Appreciate how carbonates are classified and different carbonate settings are identified.
  6. Frame the main types of carbonate platform types and corresponding deposits.
  7. Understand the wide range of carbonate textures and facies that make up carbonate reservoirs.
  8. Recognise the different types of porosity and the impact of these on reservoir quality.