The GeoThermal/GeoEnergy master’s degree program aims to train highly qualified specialists for the growing market of geothermal energy. The course teaches relevant subjects ranging from the exploration and development of the resource to the energetic use and storage of heat.

The energy transition will completely transform Germany’s energy supply: push off nuclear and fossil fuels and toward renewable energies. According to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, 40 to 45 percent of our energy should come from renewable sources by 2025 and at least 80 percent by 2050. Deep geothermal energy can play an important role in the renewable energy mix of the future, especially in heat supply. In contrast to wind and solar energy, which are only available in fluctuating amounts, geothermal energy is an energy source that can be used continuously, and thus has its strengths in base load supply.

Bavaria is a leader in the field of deep geothermal energy in Germany; here, the conditions for using this future technology are particularly favorable due to existing hot deep water aquifers. The training of geothermal experts at Bavarian universities in the immediate vicinity of existing plants offers students very good practical examples.

Therefore, the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg and the Technical University of Munich offer the joint-degree master program “GeoThermal/GeoEnergy”.

The program provides a interdisciplinary combination of teaching and research expertise relevant to geoenergy resources from 7 faculties. The Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich contributes its expertise in the field of applied geophysics and external lecturers from industry also ensure a strong practical relevance.

The program teaches relevant subjects holistically – from exploration and development to energy use and storage of resources. The courses offered are interdisciplinary and combine different locations:

  • Modern exploration methods
  • Main features of reservoir geology and petrology
  • Rock mechanics, tectonics and stress field analysis
  • Fundamentals of drilling, production and energy technology
  • Business Administration
  • Mining/environmental law and public participation

During the semester, most of the courses are held in Erlangen – in Munich, most of the courses are block courses.

 

Detailed information on the program as well as on application and admission can be found on the following pages:

The Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Culture, Science and the Arts is funding the master’s degree program “GeoThermal/GeoEnergy” as part of the Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria.

Drilling rig for a geothermal well (Source: Geothermal Alliance Bavaria)
District heating pipes in a geothermal plant (source: Geothermie-Allianz Bayern)
Vibro trucks during a seismic measurement campaign (source: Stadtwerke München)

Contact FAU

Prof. Dr. Harald Stollhofen
Chair for Geology
Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Schlossgarten 5
91054 Erlangen
harald.stollhofen@fau.de

Contact TUM

Prof. Dr. Michael Drews
Professur für Geothermal Technologies
Technical University of Munich
Arcissstrasse 21
80333 München
michael.drews@tum.de

Contact TUM

Prof. Dr. Michael Krautblatter
Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering
Technical University of Munich
Arcisstrasse 21
80333 München
m.krautblatter@tum.de

Learn more about geothermal energy