The European project GeoBOOST, with the participation from ITACA Institute at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), has designed and developed a modular MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) set to begin on October 1.
This specialized training, the result of collaboration among universities, organizations, and companies from various European countries, is one of the main outcomes so far of this European Union initiative, led by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC).
Course details
The course, delivered via the edX platform as a six-week self-paced program, covers the key concepts of geothermal energy and includes contributions from international experts in each module.
“The goal of the GeoBOOST project is to promove the adoption of geothermal heat pump systems in Europe by creating a high-quality specialization program, improving market data, fostering cooperation among stakeholders, and ensuring a clear transfer to professional practice,” notes Javier F. Urcheguía, ITACA researcher and UPV project coordinator.
The training is aimed at drillers, energy planners, decision-makers, legislators, installers and HVAC designers, and energy consultants, among other professionals in the sector.
“Participants will have access to modular teaching materials adapted to their profiles and will complete interactive activities designed to promote practical learning, with the support of instructors,” explains Borja Badenes, ITACA researcher and course collaborator.
The GeoBOOST project
The GeoBOOST project tackles key challenges for the use of shallow geothermal energy, such as lack of knowledge about this technology, high initial costs, a lack of data standards, the need for a stronger and more consistent regulatory framework, and a shortage of qualified labor.
Its main objectives include promoting geothermal heat pumps, developing training programs tailored to local contexts, creating regulatory and collaborative tools, and increasing market data and financing models to facilitate investment.
In addition to this specialization course, the initiative is also working on data analysis, business model design, and the promotion of cross-sector cooperation strategies.
“This aims to boost the deployment of geothermal heat pumps in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden, while also developing practical tools for consumers, providers, and planners across all EU markets,” concludes the ITACA researcher.