Description
In Portugal, there is a market gap in what concerns the education in high enthalpy geothermal resources. The project aims to change this situation. Having regard to the fulfilment of the EU and regional legislations and the overall goal of the Renewable Energy programme area of the EEA Grants the objective of the project is improved capacity on the utilization of geothermal energy by offering an opportunity for participation in Short Courses on exploration and exploitation of high enthalpy geothermal energy sources, given by the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme, Iceland, to be held at the Azores Archipelago. Such cooperation between the donor and beneficiary states will contribute to a closer relationship among Iceland and Azores, Portugal, while also to the achievement of the EU 20-20-20 targets in the field of using renewable energy sources. The project will contribute to improve skills of Azorean professionals to perform their duties and also to Azorean students earn knowledge on geothermal energy. The courses will also contribute to lifelong learning which is absolutely a necessity in such an innovative field like renewable energy technology.
Summary of project results
In Portugal, there is a market gap in what concerns the education in high enthalpy geothermal resources. The project aims to change this situation. Having regard to the fulfilment of the EU and regional legislations and the overall goal of the Renewable Energy programme area of the EEA Grants the objective of the project is improved capacity on the utilization of geothermal energy by offering an opportunity for participation in Short Courses on exploration and exploitation of high enthalpy geothermal energy sources, given by the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme, Iceland, to be held at the Azores Archipelago. With the participation in these courses, twelve professionals and two students improved their scientific and technological capacity of the Azores in the field of geothermal energy.
Summary of bilateral results
The programme aims developing a strong bilateral cooperation with the donor states, in order to create a network of exchange, sharing and transferring knowledge, technology and experience in the field of the utilization of geothermal energy solutions. DPP and PO have collaborated extensively from the beginning of the planning phase of the Programme. The Programme has been designed and carried out in partnership between the PO and DPP. PO has decided to cooperate with the United Nations University-Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP) to reach the goals of the outcome improved capacity at regional level on renewable energy solutions. This outcome focuses on strong bilateral cooperation with the donor states. Through these initiatives networking, exchange, sharing and transfer of knowledge, technology and experience will be encouraged to enhance bilateral relations among the states, namely, between Iceland and Azores by supporting participation of Azorean developers at Icelandic training courses on geothermal energy. The funds for bilateral relations will also be an important contribution to the bilateral relations, involving donor host institutions and study visits to beneficiary and donor countries. Activities strengthening the cooperation between organizations in Azores and Iceland and, also, promoting knowledge and understanding of EEA Grants.