2020 Geothermal Design Challenge, DOE & INL – registration opening 6 January 2020
Design Challenge website by INL - screenshot
Alexander Richter
12 Dec 2019
The 2020 Geothermal Design Challenge (TM): GIS Mapping Student Competition will be opening January 6, 2020. An initiative by the U.S. DOE Geothermal Technologies Office and the Idaho National Laboratory it focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development to foster understanding of geothermal energy technologies.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in conjunction with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is hosting the 2020 Geothermal Design Challenge (TM): GIS Mapping Student Competition. The design challenge focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development to foster understanding and share the benefits of geothermal energy technologies. Student teams of two or three will use GIS mapping to create a compelling infographic/poster or interactive map to discover potential opportunities from this renewable energy source.
Challenge Question
“Geothermal energy is difficult to understand because it is located underground. How can geospatial mapping increase our understanding of this important renewable energy resource? How can GIS improve how we visualize and communicate about geothermal energy?”
Create a map (digital interactive or static) showing how GIS could portray or enhance the communication of geothermal technology.
Questions/Ideas for competition topic
- Educational approaches to GIS/EGS
- Economic impacts of using GIS in identifying geothermal power sources
- Recent innovation and challenges in the field of GIS-related geothermal topics
- EGS is expanding – what role does GIS play?
- Energy in the earth – how is geothermal energy investigated?
- What are challenges faced in locations that are not near optimal geothermal areas?
- Integrating geospatial technologies in geothermal research – what are the advantages?
- Using GIS to identify areas for EGS and geothermal power production
This is not a comprehensive list of topics, just something to consider when contemplating your mapping ideas!
Further details on guidelines, eligibility, teaming, registration, software, timeline, prizes, review criteria, promotional toolkit, examples and resources can be found via the link below.
Source: Idaho National Laboratory
