Energy Field School
Accelerate the Future: 2-Week Intensive Journey into Energy
Join us for a cutting-edge, two-week deep dive into the world of sustainable energy. This immersive program will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the driving forces behind the growing demand for sustainable energy, and the key factors that impact our ability to meet this demand.
Each year, we choose a theme to touch upon, providing you with the latest insights into sustainable energy trends.
Our expert faculty will guide you through a dynamic blend of lecture-style learning and on-site visits, giving you an up-close and personal look at real-world applications of sustainable energy systems. This unique learning experience will provide you with a deeper appreciation for the potential and practicality of these cutting-edge technologies.
Energy Field School Applications Open Now
Overview
Iceland, often referred to as 'the land of fire and ice,' derives its fiery energy from the Earth itself, fueling volcanoes and heating water within volcanic rocks to create robust geothermal systems that sustain Icelandic society.
Our Iceland School of Energy Field School offers a comprehensive understanding of Iceland's geothermal systems, exploring their mechanisms, applications, and the associated benefits and challenges of managing this intricate natural resource. During the program, we also venture into Iceland's wilderness, allowing participants to enjoy the remoteness and beauty of the highlands.
The Energy Field School blends classroom discussions, group work, and field experiences. The journey commences with an 'Introduction Day,' fostering connections among participants and their surroundings. In the initial week, we delve into geology and natural geothermal systems as they relate to Iceland. The curriculum includes lectures on the chemistry, physics, and biology of geothermal systems, evening field exercises (keep in mind, the sun sets around 23:30), and field visits.
The program proceeds by exploring the utilization of geothermal energy, encompassing both traditional and innovative applications. Geothermal heat, with a history dating back millennia, saw its first use in electricity production in 1904 (in Italy). In Iceland, we visit geothermal combined heat and power plants and delve into the intricacies of steamfield facilities. Additionally, we explore sites where industrial carbon dioxide is produced and permanently sequestered in porous basalt, innovative applications of heat for greenhouse agricultural, algae and seafood production, and other associated resources.
Towards the culmination of the program, students submit their reports and deliver group presentations on assigned topics received at the outset of the course.
Structure
Lecture from an industrial professional on GIS in the energy sector and its importance.
Topics
- Introduction to Geothermal Energy: Understanding the fundamentals of geothermal energy, including its geological origins and the science behind it.
- Geothermal Systems in Iceland: Exploring the unique geothermal systems found in Iceland and their significance in the country's energy landscape.
- Geothermal Chemistry and Physics: Examining the chemical and physical processes involved in geothermal energy production.
- Geothermal Biology: Learn about the the biological aspects of geothermal systems, including the unique ecosystems that can thrive in these environments.
- Traditional and Innovative Geothermal Applications: Analyzing both conventional and cutting-edge uses of geothermal energy, such as combined heat and power plants, carbon dioxide production and sequestration, and innovative applications for agriculture, seafood production, and more.
- Geothermal History in Iceland: Understand the historical development of geothermal energy production in Iceland, including its significance and evolution.
- Geothermal Policy and Strategy: Analyzing the role of policy and strategic decisions in geothermal energy production and distribution.
- Practical Application of Energy Usage: Exploring how energy is practically used in various sectors and industries.
- The Impact of Energy on Sustainability and the Environment: Investigating the environmental and sustainability implications of different energy sources and practices.
- Geothermal Field Visits: Practical visits to geothermal facilities and sites in Iceland to witness geothermal energy production and its various applications firsthand.
Structure
- Daily Schedule: Generally activities occur during 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with evenings reserved for additional assignments and leisure time. Some days extending longer due to field trips.
- Learning and Assessment: Mix of lectures, field trips, assignments, journaling, and group presentations. The course is balanced as not to overwhelm students but to provide an active learning environment.
- Overnight: One to two-day overnight excursion in shared accommodations.
- Housing: Housing is not included as part of the field school, only accommodation covered is the overnight trip during the program. We are working secure a discount on close accommodation to the university at this time.
- Food: Lunch is provided each day during the field course. All meals are included on field trips and overnight excursions.
Credit: The program is worth 6 ECTS or equivalent to 3 US credits.
Field Trips
Power Station was on of the facility visits during our field school that allows students to meet industry and learn from them.
The summer school provides a unique opportunity to experience sustainable energy systems in action through interactive on-site visits. Our itinerary is designed to showcase some of the most innovative and impactful examples of sustainable energy in action, including:
- Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant and Carbfix: Explore a cutting-edge geothermal power plant and learn about the Carbfix process.
- Hengill Volcanic Area: Visit a preserved oasis of geothermal activity right outside the city.
- Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant : Learn how geothermal provides the hot water for a whole city.
- Fagradalsfjall Volcano: Witness some of the most recent volcanic activity in Iceland.
- Hveragerði: Experience a geothermal town and botanical gardens.
- Reykjavik District Heating System: Learn about innovative heating solutions and resource use of geothermal energy.
- Icelandic Highlands - Landmannalaugar: Explore remote highlands and hot springs that make Iceland a land like no other.
These field trips enhance your learning experience by offering a close-up view of sustainable energy practices, geological wonders, and Iceland's natural landscapes. Do to the weather in Iceland the visits can vary but we adapt as best we can.
More about site visits to power plants and areas of environmental and Geo-scientific interest
Cost
Iceland's Fjallabak Nature Reserve, is renowned for its natural geothermal hot springs and stunning landscape. Often visited during Energy Field School
| Registration Type | Program Fee | Confirmation Fee (Included as part of Program Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Students | 475,000 ISK (Approx. 3,500 USD) | 70,000 ISK (Approx. 500 USD) |
| Non-students | 525,000 ISK (Approx. 3,870 USD) | 80,000 ISK (Approx. 600 USD) |
The cost of the field school program is listed above, which includes all necessary costs associated with field trips, teaching, and events. Please note that this cost does not include accommodations during your stay in Iceland. However, the overnight excursion is provided as part of an overnight field trip. It is suggested that participants budget 250,000 ISK for accommodation and living expenses while participating in the program.
Field School Fee for New ISE MSc Students
For students starting their master's studies at the Iceland School of Energy, the field school program fee is included in your tuition fees. There is no need to pay any additional fees. These students are automatically registered for the program.
Apply
Research Presentation Event: Students in the Field School present work projects they undertook during the field school, showcasing their research to fellow students and the rest of the larger university community.
Applications Now Open For Energy Field School
Prerequisites:
We believe that the field of sustainable energy benefits from a wide range of knowledge and experiences. The Iceland School of Energy's Summer Field School embraces diversity and welcomes participants from various academic and professional backgrounds:
- Undergraduates in their final year of study
- Graduate students
- Professionals with completed degrees
Participation in the field school is considered a core course for the MSc in Sustainable Energy and MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering worth 6 ECTS.
Key Dates
- Application Opening: October 1, 2023
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Application Components
When you apply, please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Applicant Information
- Educational Background
- Motivation Statement: We require a 100-word statement outlining your motivations for joining the Energy Field School.
- Experience Statements: Include three brief entries highlighting your educational, work, and community experiences. If you're a current student with limited work experience, please mention this in the work section.
Additional Documents (to be emailed to ise@ru.is in PDF format after completing the application):
- Official University Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Résumé
Application Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. It's important to note that only completed applications will be considered for admission. Please keep in mind that securing a spot in the program is contingent upon the payment of a deposit fee after acceptance.
Connect Today
Group visit to a hydro power plant in the summer of 2023.
Organizer: Dr. Juliet Newson, Director of the Iceland School of Energy
Dr. Juliet Newson is an accomplished figure in the geothermal industry, with expertise in various areas such as geology, monitoring, modeling, and resource assessment. She's a firm believer in the power of education and has actively contributed to energy education at the tertiary level in New Zealand and internationally through the International Geothermal Association.
In November 2016, Juliet assumed the role of Director at the Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University, following her work as a geothermal reservoir modeling engineer at Contact Energy Ltd since 2011. She's been instrumental in organizing and delivering geothermal courses, including those for the International Geothermal Association (IGA) World Geothermal Congress 2015.
Juliet also served as President of the International Geothermal Association from 2013 to 2016 and was Chair of the IGA Education Committee from 2010 to 2013.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further information about our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us via email at ise@ru.is, and we'll respond promptly with the answers and support you need.