Geothermal Energy: Resource Assessment, Plants, and Environmental Impacts is an international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) programme designed to give students a solid foundation in geothermal energy production and its role in the global energy transition.

The course explores geothermal reservoir characterisation, system types, and power plant technologies, with particular focus on binary plants and ORC systems. Participants will acquire knowledge in interpreting geological, geophysical, and engineering data for geothermal applications, understand reservoir behaviour and modelling concepts, and evaluate the technical and environmental feasibility of geothermal projects. Environmental aspects, including impacts such as microseismicity and land subsidence, are also covered.

The course is conducted in English and is equivalent to 3 ECTS. It is delivered by three Unite! partner universities.

Who is it for?

This BIP is aimed at students currently following Master’s degree courses in any of the following fields: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Geology,  Environmental Engineering,  Geology, Geo-resources/Geo-energy/ Petroleum and Mining Engineering or Energy Engineering.

It is particularly suitable for students interested in renewable energy, sustainability, and future careers in the energy sector.

Dates:

Online component: from 4 May to 26 June for a total of 40 hours of lessons

In-person component: from 13 to 17 July, in the Larderello area, a historic geothermal site in Italy. Students will visit geothermal power plants, natural geothermal features, and industrial applications such as a brewery powered by geothermal steam. A key part of the BIP is group work, where students collaborate on a simplified techno-economic assessment of a geothermal plant, gaining practical insight into real-world energy projects.

How can Aalto students apply:

Aalto has two mobility scholarships available to attend this BIP. If you are interested in applying, please make sure you are eligible for the Erasmus+ Short-Term Mobility scholarship and contact melina.nummi@aalto.fi by 10 April, 2026 to be considered for the Erasmus+ short-term blended mobility scholarship. 

Read more about the Geothermal Energy BIP here.

See this link for more information about Erasmus+ Short-Term Mobility Scholarships.

See this link for information about outgoing exchanges.