The Geothermal Vision team, made up of students from the University of North Dakota and Reykjavik University, won first place in the Spring 2021 Collegiate Geothermal Competition (Source: NREL)
Join the geothermal contest run by NREL to win $50,000 cash prizes this spring
Are you a college student or faculty member looking for a capstone project focused on renewable energy for the spring semester? Search the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Collegiate Competition, which is accepting applications through February 17, 2022.
Real-world renewable energy design experience
In the competition, student teams take on the role of a geothermal developer, devising direct-use strategies for heating and cooling buildings, universities or districts. The competition enhances project development, design, and communication skills while enhancing the public’s understanding of geothermal energy as a direct and renewable source of energy. Team dispatches include a use case, a resource assessment, a use assessment, and a plan for community engagement.
The recently completed Spring 2021 round of competition featured geothermal concepts designed for Native American sanctuaries, universities, mixed-use communities, and hospital campuses.
Seminars and training courses for industry experts
Competing students can also participate in a series of virtual exercises in geothermal site planning tools and practices. Upcoming exercises include the GEOPHIRES Geothermal Technology Simulator, Environmental Regulations and Permits for Geothermal Projects, GeoRePORT Socioeconomic Assessment Tool, and Reservoir Modeling Tips and Tricks.
National and cash prizes
“This study was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic endeavors.”
– Nicholas Fry, Team Leader, University of North Dakota Geothermal Vision
Winners and finalists will be honored in a DOE live announcement and press release as well as news stories from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The competition also includes $50,000 Cash prizes for student teams and their universities.
The first, second and third place winners will also plan and host live events on site to educate relevant stakeholders about their proposed projects during the summer of 2022.
Sign up, spread the word to a colleague, or be a judge!
Ready to warm up Spring 2022? Participation, create a team, and upload the required first stage of your submission by February 17, 2022. If you know a teacher or students who might be interested, help NREL spread the word.
NREL competition directors are also looking for members of the geothermal industry to serve as competition judges. To volunteer as a judge, review student submissions and provide valuable feedback, send an email to geo.competition@nrel.gov.
Learn more about NREL geothermal research.
Source: NRELE
.