Returning to the classroom at the start of a new year often brings with it questions about your future: What’s next? What career path should I follow?  

If you’re curious about science, passionate about sustainability, or enjoy problem solving, geothermal energy could be the perfect field for you. It offers exciting and impactful opportunities which can make a difference to your future, and the future of the planet. 

Michelle O’Grady, Deputy Project Manager for GeoEnergy NI at Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), shares insights on the pathways available into geothermal energy, what skills and qualifications are required, and why this sector is fuelled with potential.  

The Earth’s hidden hotspots: what is geothermal energy? 

When we think of geothermal energy, the large geysers in Iceland or the steaming landscapes of New Zealand often come to mind, not the rolling hills of Northern Ireland.   

With significant potential right beneath our feet, Northern Ireland has the opportunity to harness this natural heat source to decarbonise the heating of our homes, businesses and buildings, whilst playing a vital role to reach our net zero targets. 

Geothermal energy is an exciting field to work in because of the positive impact it has on people’s lives. By tapping into the heat beneath our feet, we can help stabilise heating costs, which is incredibly helpful in today’s climate.  

Around the globe, different types of geothermal technologies are already in use, and Northern Ireland has a fantastic opportunity to follow suit.

Rockin’ geothermal careers  

There are various careers and areas of work that contribute to geothermal projects. These range from investigating a location’s geothermal potential to installing systems and overseeing their ongoing operation.  

 Potential careers within the geothermal field include:  

  • Geologist 
  • Hydrogeologist 
  • Geophysicist 
  • Ecologist 
  • Driller 
  • Engineer 
  • Manufacturer 
  • Project manager 
  • Land-use planner  

Useful A-level subjects to ‘layer up’ your knowledge include: 

You might be wondering which subjects to choose if you’re interested in exploring a career in geothermal energy.  A key area that underpins geothermal energy is Geoscience or Earth Science, which is the study of our planet.  

With an overarching focus on how we can all become more environmentally friendly, there is a gap for geoscience professionals who can help contribute to the environment and reaching net-zero targets. If you are interested in a particular career, speak to your career’s teacher for advice on potential A-level subject choices. They can help you tailor your subjects to the pathway you are interested in.  

  • Geology (if available) 
  • Geography 
  • Physics 
  • Chemistry 
  • Biology 
  • Environmental technology 
  • Maths 

Dig deep into your skillset 

If you are considering a career in geothermal energy, you might be wondering what skills are useful in the sector.   

A career in geoscience requires a wide range of skills including: 

  • Communication: The ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  
  • Attention to detail: The ability to record information accurately and analyse samples.  
  • Computer skills: A basic understanding of specialist software used to produce reports, geological models, and analyse data.  
  • Fieldwork skills: The willingness to work in all types of weather and terrain, possibly for long periods of time.  
  • IT skills: The ability to handle large data sets.  
  • Problem-solving: The ability to analyse and solve problems.  
  • Teamwork: The ability to work well with others, including geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, and engineers.  
  • Written communication: The ability to produce reports. 
  • Knowledge: Of subjects in the area you want to be working in. 

More importantly, you will need a passion to learn and grow in an exciting sector!  

Resources  

If you want to learn more about geothermal, we’ve included some useful links and resources below: 

As well as exploring the GeoEnergy NI website for more information about geothermal energy, you can visit the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre at the Stormont Estate, where you can speak with a Geo Ambassador and try interactive geothermal experiences and technologies to learn more: https://GeoEnergyNI.org/ 

A Geo Ambassador and students from St Marks Warrenpoint are pictured testing rocks at the GeoEnergy NI Discovery Centre.

Michael MacKenzie, DfE speaking at the 11th UK Geothermal Symposium.

Engineers looking onto the drilling site on the grounds of the Stormont Estate.

Students from Coleraine Grammar School listen to GeoEnergy ambassador discuss the project and exciting milestones.

The GeoEnergy NI exhibition stand located in the Europa as part of the Re[act] festival in Belfast.