World Geothermal Day
Celebrating Our Contribution Geothermal Innovation and Education
As we celebrate World Geothermal Day on October 17th, we recognize the significant role geothermal energy plays in the global transition to sustainable energy solutions. Geothermal systems provide reliable electricity, heating, and cooling for homes and essential facilities, making them a key player in reducing carbon emissions. This year's celebration focuses on the teams and individuals driving innovation in geothermal technology. Learn more about the global impact of geothermal energy at World Geothermal Day. Iceland, with its rich geothermal resources, is at the forefront of this movement. The Iceland School of Energy (ISE) plays a crucial role in advancing geothermal education and research, with students and faculty tackling the challenges in geothermal energy and exploring new solutions.
One recent achievement at ISE comes from master's student Jason Lipton, who successfully defended his thesis titled "From Fenton Hill to Fervo: Is EGS Approaching Commercial Viability?" Under the supervision of Dr. Juliet Newson, Director of ISE, Jason's research examines the history and future potential of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), offering critical insights into how these systems might achieve commercial viability in the near future.
PhD candidate Ximena Guardia Muguruza has also made notable strides, earning the Sustainability Institute and Forum (SIF) Sustainability Award, sponsored by Landsnet and Landsvirkjun , for her research on reviving low-pressure geothermal wells. Supervised by Dr. María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir, Ximena's project involved close collaboration with fellow ISE students Daniel Odongo, Gunnar Jónsson, and Jeffrey Andal, who have since graduated, as well as current students Christine Groves and Hugo Quinteros. Her teams work demonstrates the potential to rejuvenate geothermal systems, contributing to more sustainable and long-lasting energy solutions.
Adding to these achievements, Dr. María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir recently received funding from SORPA for a new project titled “Feasibility of Power Generation Using Hybrid Geothermal Biomass in Iceland,” which ISE master's student Kristina Solberg will work on as part of her thesis. This research aims to explore the potential of hybrid energy systems, combining geothermal and biomass for power generation.
The work of ISE's students and faculty shows Iceland's leadership in geothermal energy innovation. As the world looks to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, Iceland and its geothermal expertise are paving the way toward a greener future. These are just some of the recent activities and achievements in geothermal energy at ISE. For us, World Geothermal Day is more than just a day, it's a reflection of our ongoing commitment to geothermal energy.