The UNU Geothermal Training Program in Iceland 1979-1990

This paper reports on the Geothermal Training Program of the United Nations University which has been operated in Iceland since 1979. A six months course is operated annually for professionals from the developing countries. Specialized training is offered in geological exploration, borehole geology, geophysical exploration, borehole geophysics, reservoir engineering, chemistry of thermal fluids, geothermal utilization, and drilling technology. During 1979-1989, 82 scientists and engineers from 17 countries completed the course, and 11 trainees from 7 countries are expected to complete in October 1990 and receive the UNU Certificate. About 70% of those trained during 1979-1989 are actively working in geothermal in their home countries, and about 20% are working in related fields. Participants normally receive scholarships which are financed by the Government of Iceland and the United Nations University, and in some cases by the UNDP