AI and Geothermal Energy

Course Quick Facts

Course Number/Course Dates

PTE 0526 - 10

May 26, 2026 (1 day)

Time
8:00am - 1:00pm

Cost
$0 - FREE: Online Interactive

Thanks to the support of the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition (ECET), the course is free for all attendees. However, individuals must register to receive details for the online course.

About

The 'AI and Geothermal Energy' course will review both traditional and new sources of geothermal energy and how the application of AI and Machine Learning technologies can expand the resource base.

Participants will explore Geothermal Resources and Case Studies and examine The Growing Need for Geothermal Energy. The course will highlight Predicting Geothermal Resources from AI-based Satellite Data and the Use of AI/ML Models to Integrate Remote Sensing Data to Predict Geothermal Resources.

The course will also explore the Development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems, AI-based Drilling and Production issues, Economics and Policy of Geothermal Energy, and the potential for Using Idle Wells for Extracting Geothermal Energy. Join this session to gain focused insight into how AI and Machine Learning are advancing geothermal energy development.

Who Should Attend

This course is open to all professionals in the energy industry and academia, as well as to those exploring investment opportunities in geothermal energy resources.
This short course on geothermal energy offers a quick overview of renewable heat and power, including resource assessment and project development.
The course covers the practical aspects of geothermal projects, including system design, risk management, and understanding regulatory/permitting frameworks.

Participants build key knowledge of sector technologies, sustainability, and market trends, and career opportunities.

Faculty Speakers

Key Takeaways for Attendees

Understanding traditional and new sources of geothermal energy
Insight into Geothermal Resources and Case Studies
Awareness of The Growing Opportunity for Geothermal Energy to meet growing base-load power demands
Knowledge of Predicting Geothermal Resources from AI-based Satellite Data
Understanding the Use of AI/ML Models to Integrate Remote Sensing Data to Predict Geothermal Resources
Familiarity with Developing Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Insight into AI-based Drilling and Production Systems
Understanding of the Economics and Policy dimensions of geothermal energy
Awareness of the opportunity of Using Idle Wells for Extracting Geothermal
Energy

What you will gain:

Upon completion of this course, you will walk away with the following skills:

Key knowledge of sector technologies, sustainability, and market trends, and career opportunities
Understanding practical aspects of geothermal projects, including system design, risk management, and understanding regulatory/permitting frameworks
Overview of renewable heat and power, including resource assessment and project development.
Gain focused insight into how AI and Machine Learning are advancing geothermal energy development

Location:

Delivery Method: Online Interactive

Course Instructors

Dr. Birendra Jha, Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering.

I am a geoscientist. I received MS in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University and SM and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from MIT. Applications of my research are in the modeling of groundwater flows, contaminant transport, induced seismicity, subsidence, hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, and reservoir characterization. Prior to a career in academia, I worked in the petroleum industry in the geomodeling, reservoir engineering, and well logging aspects of the subsurface energy business.

Dr. Donald Paul is the Executive Director of the Energy Institute and holds the William M. Keck Chair of Energy Resources at the University of Southern California. Major USC energy initiatives with industry and government include the Center for Smart Oil Field Technologies, the DOE Regional Smart Grid Demonstration Program, the Center for Energy Infomatics, and the recently formed programs on unconventional hydrocarbon resource development and cyber-physical security systems for energy infrastructures.

Dr. Paul had a distinguished 33-year career with the Chevron Corporation.

Dr. Paul currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. and in 2010, was appointed by the Secretary of Energy to the National Petroleum Council. He also participates in advisory roles at several universities (including MIT, Harvard, Rice, and the University of Texas), energy companies, and technology firms. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recently honored Dr.Paul with the 2011 Management and Information Award in recognition of his leading role in the advancement and integration of information technology in the industry.

The course will also feature geothermal industry experts as guest speakers.