Superhot geothermal energy production represents a frontier in renewable energy technology, offering unprecedented efficiency and sustainability benefits. However, tapping into reservoirs near magmatic sources presents unique engineering, environmental, and social challenges. This webinar, hosted by the COMPASS project, aims to explore these challenges and the innovative solutions being developed to overcome them.

The program will feature two sessions. The first session focuses on cutting-edge engineering solutions, including advancements in foam cement for thermal stress mitigation and the application of EHLA (Extreme High-Speed Laser Cladding) technology for corrosion resistance. The second session delves into sustainability and social aspects, with talks on circular-by-design approaches for geothermal wells and strategies for building community acceptance for geothermal energy projects.

Program:

• Introduction

Session 1 : Superhot Geothermal Wells – Engineering Solutions and Challenges

• Foam Cement Solutions for Thermal Stress Mitigation – Hieu Hoang, SINTEF
• EHLA Technology for Corrosion Resistance – Tomaso Maccio, TWI
• Q&A session

Session 2: Sustainability and Acceptance in Superhot Geothermal Projects

• Circular-by-Design Approaches for Superhot Wells – Arna Pálsdóttir, OR
• Building Social Acceptance for Geothermal Energy – Loredana Torsello, COSVIG
• Q&A session

Speakers:

Hieu Nguyen Hoang

Senior Scientist, SINTEF Industry
Dr. Hieu Nguyen Hoang is a senior scientist at SINTEF Industry with extensive expertise in geothermal energy and thermal energy storage. Holding a Ph.D. in structural engineering from NTNU, Norway, Dr. Hoang has over a decade of experience in geothermal well design, high-temperature applications, and materials integrity.
He has led and contributed to numerous research projects, co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications, supervised students, and played an active role in organizing international scientific conferences. His work is committed to advancing practical solutions for renewable energy development through collaborative and innovative research.

Arna Pálsdóttir

Head of Resource Innovation, Reykjavík Energy
Dr. Arna Pálsdóttir is the Head of Resource Innovation at Reykjavík Energy, where she focuses on research and innovation in geothermal energy. She earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Cornell University in 2019, specializing in the valorization of geothermal waters with lithium extraction under the guidance of Prof. Jefferson W. Tester.
Dr. Pálsdóttir also holds an M.S. in chemical engineering from Cornell University and a B.Sc. in chemical engineering from the University of Iceland. Her work bridges cutting-edge research with practical applications in geothermal energy innovation.

Tomaso Maccio

Project Engineer, TWI
Tomaso Maccio is a Project Engineer at TWI specializing in Laser Additive Manufacturing technologies, including Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED). He has extensive experience managing high-quality research projects funded through both single-client and government-supported mechanisms.
Tomaso led TWI’s first Extreme High-Speed Laser Application (EHLA) project, building a strong business case for this advanced technology. Currently, he is leading the EU-funded COMPASS project, which develops innovative solutions to combat corrosion in geothermal environments. Under his leadership, the UK’s largest EHLA cell has been constructed at TWI Yorkshire, marking a significant milestone in laser manufacturing innovation.

Loredana Torsello

Executive Manager, COSVIG
Dr. Loredana Torsello is the Executive Manager of COSVIG, a public company in Tuscany dedicated to promoting geothermal energy development. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Policy, a Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Economics, and a degree in Banking Economics.
Dr. Torsello has been working in environmental and energy planning since 2001. Since 2012, she has served as Executive Manager of COSVIG, overseeing geothermal fund management, activities in geothermal areas, communication, and international stakeholder relations. She also manages the DTE-Tuscany regional energy and technology district, facilitating innovation in renewable energy systems.

Moderator:

Amel Barich, GEORG – Geothermal Research Cluster, Iceland