ÍSOR participant at the GeoTHERM expo & congress in Offenburg, where low-temperature geothermal energy was in focus

The geologists Auður Agla Óladóttir and Sveinborg Hlíf Gunnarsdóttir were ÍSOR's representatives at the GeoTHERM expo & congress conference, held in Offenburg, Germany, at the end of February. This is one of Europe's foremost events for geothermal professionals and a true forum for sharing…

The geologists Auður Agla Óladóttir and Sveinborg Hlíf Gunnarsdóttir were ÍSOR's representatives at the GeoTHERM expo & congress conference, held in Offenburg, Germany, at the end of February. This is one of Europe's foremost events for geothermal professionals and a true forum for sharing knowledge and networking within the sector.

The conference week began with a workshop on low-temperature geothermal energy that was organized and held by the GEOTHERMICA Initiative. At the workshop, ways were discussed to address the challenges that accompany the development and utilization of low-temperature geothermal energy. Although Iceland is known for its high-temperature areas, there are also areas in this country with lower geothermal gradients and lower permeability that require a different approach to research and utilization. ÍSOR has been at the forefront in the exploration and development of such areas and has built up valuable knowledge in that field.

At the workshop, Auður Agla presented ÍSOR's activities, the development of district heating, and the latest advances in geothermal research in the Westfjords, where Orkubú Vestfjarða are working toward the goal of replacing electrically powered district heating with geothermal district heating. The project is an important step toward greater sustainability and more economical energy solutions for the residents of the area.

Conversations and discussions at the conference clearly reflected that geothermal energy – not least low-temperature geothermal energy – is now receiving well-deserved attention in Europe. Growing interest in sustainable energy sources and energy security has increased the importance of geothermal energy as a realistic and reliable option.

ÍSOR also took the opportunity at the conference to meet with its partners at Arctic Green Engineering Services and plan the next projects. ÍSOR is ready to provide integrated consulting services for the rapidly growing geothermal market in Europe. The opportunities are numerous and we look forward to continuing to explore them in collaboration with new as well as existing partners.