Given the challenges in geothermal operations and the ambitious expansion plans for geothermal energy in many countries, there is an urgent need for geothermal experts with a broad understanding of geothermal systems. An important objective of EASYGO as an innovative training network is to train tomorrow’s leading geothermal-energy experts.

As Maren Brehme explains, “We would like to bring the next generation of geothermal energy leaders to the market with the best experience, skills and network, and we believe that this project does exactly that”. All 13 PhD students will work on a specifically identified project but will learn aspects of the entire geothermal operation chain in an outstanding training programme, They will have access to unique large-scale research infrastructure available at the 4 universities and 10 industry partners of the consortium. The project will strengthen the geothermal research group at TUD around Phil Vardon, Maren Brehme and David Bruhn.

The project has enabled these 13 PhD students to conduct state-of-the-art research into the full chain of geothermal operations, from production to power-plant engineering to injection. “Our goal in the biggest sense is to fight the climate crisis. We need to find technical solutions that people will understand and accept. Each of the PhD students will focus on a single aspect of the full chain of geothermal energy, but bringing them together helps them learn what others think about. Because these topics are all related, we can’t just look at single aspects.” – Maren Brehme

An important objective of EASYGO as an innovative training network (ITN) has been training tomorrow’s leading geothermal-energy experts. Participating PhD candidates benefit from various training and networking opportunities within the ITN and large-scale infrastructure by the consortium partners across Europe. “Through this programme, they already have a huge network as early-stage researchers,” says Brehme. “They are working together across universities, exchanging, and learning from each other. Each university is excellent and has expertise, but a standalone solution will not work for what we need to fight the climate crisis, to take a step beyond, to really make a change.”

Access to unique large-scale infrastructure at each of the consortium universities, exposure to experienced leading researchers in the field, collaboration with industrial partners, and the opportunity to share and learn from multi-disciplinary peers. Whether it be in academia or industry, EASYGO is preparing the next generation of geothermal experts for the career of their choice.

During a mid-term evaluation by the EU, internal and external reviewers evaluated EASYGO project progress, scientific achievements, and project administration. In all categories the EASYGO team performed very well and got very good feedback. The reviewers said: ‘The achievements of this project are very good for the realisation of training objectives, the workshops, fieldwork, and courses organised. The project has delivered exceptional results with significant immediate or potential impact. The good quality of the training provided by this ITN will certainly have a positive impact on the career of the ESRs.’