As part of Iceland Innovation Week 2025, a dedicated programme on the utilization of superhot geothermal energy was held at Orkuveitan’s community center in the scenic Elliðaárdalur valley. Jointly organized by Orkuveitan, ON Power, and GEORG—with support from the wider COMPASS consortium—the week featured a project status meeting, an international summer school, and a regional stakeholder workshop focused on advancing high-temperature geothermal development.

The events brought together leading experts who have been instrumental in Iceland’s efforts to harness the immense potential of superhot geothermal systems. Participation exceeded expectations, with strong attendance across panels and sessions. The week fostered collaboration between universities, research institutions, consultants, entrepreneurs, and energy companies, while strengthening Iceland’s links to global geothermal research networks. 

Eiríkur Hjálmarsson moderated a panel discussion featuring Lilja Magnúsdóttir from HS Orka, Hera Grímsdóttir from Orkuveitan, Árni Magnússon from ISOR, and Bjarni Pálsson from Landsvirkjun

Panel Discussion – Superhot Geothermal: Future Prospects in Iceland

One of the week's key sessions brought together representatives from HS Orka, Orkuveitan, ÍSOR, and Landsvirkjun to reflect on Iceland’s progress in deep geothermal drilling and identify priorities for moving forward.

Opening the panel, Bjarni Pálsson (Landsvirkjun) stressed the significance of having already drilled two deep wells, while also acknowledging the need to recalibrate:

“Similar methodologies were used and similar challenges encountered. Now is a good time to pause and change course, and the COMPASS project is addressing key issues that have arisen in the previous wells.”  — Bjarni Pálsson, Landsvirkjun

Picking up the thread, Hera Grímsdóttir (Orkuveitan) emphasized that before advancing to a third well, efforts must focus on reducing technical uncertainty.

“We’ve strengthened collaboration both domestically and internationally to better investigate these uncertainties. At some point, it comes down to weighing risk versus reward—and drilling if the answer is yes.“ — Hera Grímsdóttir, Orkuveitan

Lilja Magnúsdóttir (HS Orka) pointed to the broader policy and economic context. She noted that while the IDDP-2 well confirmed superhot conditions, achieving actual energy utilization depends on government support and pricing mechanisms. As energy costs increase and new resources are explored, deep drilling could become increasingly viable.

Adding a long-term perspective, Árni Magnússon (ÍSOR) remarked on the persistent knowledge gaps, despite 25 years of effort in deep geothermal exploration. He underscored the role that government support could play in expanding understanding of volcanic and high-temperature zones.

All panelists agreed that Iceland is well-positioned to become a global leader in superhot geothermal development. Realizing that potential, they concluded, will depend on strong public investment and strategic coordination in the years ahead.

Amel Barich moderated a panel discussion featuring Carine Chateney from Verkís, Björn Þór Guðmundsson from KMT, Sigurður Markússon from GEORG and Orkuveitan, Yngvi Guðmundsson from HS Orka, Sigrún Nanna Karlsdóttir from the University of Iceland and Gerosion, Gunnar S. Kaldal from ISOR, Kristinn Ingason from COWI, and María S. Guðjónsdóttir from Reykjavik University

Panel Discussion – Technology, Collaboration, and Public Engagement

The second panel, moderated by Amel Barich (GEORG), brought together experts from Verkís, COWI, KMT, GEORG, HS Orka, the University of Iceland, Gerosion, ÍSOR, and Reykjavik University. The discussion tackled technological innovation, sectoral collaboration, and the importance of public communication in the advancement of superhot geothermal systems.

Kristinn Ingason (COWI) opened with insights into the importance of wellhead valve design and broader engineering innovations supported by COMPASS. While technical solutions are still being developed, he stressed that drilling must continue to move the field forward.

Echoing this, Yngvi Guðmundsson (HS Orka) highlighted the necessity of trial and error, warning that the current pace of development—one deep well every ten years—is insufficient.

“To attract investors, we need wells that are not only drilled but also operated for several years. That means committing to more drilling.” — Yngvi Guðmundsson, HS Orka

Sigurður Markússon (Orkuveitan/GEORG) emphasized that enabling ongoing experimentation requires appropriate policy and funding environments. Björn Þór Guðmundsson (KMT) added that while Iceland has a competitive advantage in SHG, a systematic and proactive approach is needed to maintain momentum and global relevance.

Drawing from operational experience, Gunnar S. Kaldal (ÍSOR) and Sigrún Nanna Karlsdóttir (University of Iceland/Gerosion) addressed challenges related to casing integrity, corrosion, and thermal expansion. Gunnar noted that designs must reflect the changing conditions a well experiences, while Sigrún pointed to advances in cladding technologies that could be readily tested in Iceland’s geothermal settings.

“There has been significant progress in cladding technologies in recent years, which would be ideal to test in this environment.” — Sigrún Nanna Karlsdóttir, University of Iceland / Gerosion

As the discussion progressed, the conversation turned to the importance of collaboration and public trust. María S. Guðjónsdóttir (Reykjavik University) spoke about the knowledge gaps inherent in SHG and the need for cross-sector partnerships to address them.

“Even if we don’t yet have all the answers, we’re learning something valuable with every step. Iceland has the chance to lead—if we share what we know.” — María S. Guðjónsdóttir, Reykjavik University

Sigurður added that Iceland could benefit from experience in other sectors, such as oil and gas. He cautioned, however, that public interest can fade quickly if outcomes are not clearly communicated.

Carine Chateney (Verkís) emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, noting that geothermal development is critical for national energy security. Yngvi concluded that the geothermal sector must become more proactive and visible in advocating for progress.

The panel ended with a powerful reflection from María:

“A hundred years ago, Iceland established its first district heating system. It was expensive, risky, and time-consuming. Where would we be today if we hadn’t taken that leap? What legacy do we want to leave for future generations?” — María S. Guðjónsdóttir

Pálmar Sigurðsson from Orkuveitan presented the opportunities associated with harnessing superhot steam for energy production.

Harnessing Superhot Steam for Energy Production

In a dedicated presentation, Pálmar Sigurðsson (Orkuveitan) explored the potential of superhot steam to enhance energy output from existing geothermal fields. By reaching deeper, hotter zones, Orkuveitan and ON Power aim to significantly increase efficiency—enabling more energy from the same surface footprint. This approach reflects COMPASS’s broader goal of maximizing the value of high-enthalpy geothermal systems through smart and sustainable innovation.

Andri Ísak Þórhallsson from the University of Iceland and Orkuveitan briefed attendees on the main research activities within the COMPASS project.

A Deep Dive into COMPASS Research

Further discussions during the week focused on the core research activities of the COMPASS project, which is funded through the Horizon Europe programme. Andri Ísak Þórhallsson (University of Iceland / Orkuveitan) outlined the project's focus on improving well integrity in high-temperature environments.

The initiative addresses key technical challenges identified in earlier projects like IDDP-1 and IDDP-2, particularly around cementing, casing, and thermal resilience. Research teams are testing materials such as foamed cement, advanced casing coatings, and ÍSOR-developed centralizers under simulated downhole conditions.

The work involves an extensive European consortium—including partners from Iceland, Norway, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Italy—and combines laboratory studies with field validation at geothermal sites operated by ON Power.

Members of the COMPASS consortium during the final General Assembly, held in Reykjavík as part of COMPASS Iceland Week.

Researchers Plan for the Next Phase

On Tuesday, COMPASS researchers convened for an internal project meeting and general assembly to review progress and prepare for the next phase of summer research activities. These will take place both at field sites in Iceland and in partner laboratories abroad, including at the University of Iceland, SINTEF (Norway), and facilities in the UK.

Participating institutions include Orkuveitan, ON Power, GEORG, ÍSOR, TWI, HLC, SINTEF, TVS, COSVIG, and CURISTEC.

The COMPASS Summer School cohort and lecturers in Reykjavík, gathered for two days of technical training, peer exchange, and a field visit to Reykjanes.

International Summer School Welcomes Next Generation

As part of COMPASS Iceland Week, a two-day Summer School was held in Reykjavík, bringing together early-career researchers for focused training on superhot geothermal systems. The programme combined lectures, peer exchange, and a field visit to active geothermal sites.

The school welcomed 35 participants from 17 countries across 5 continents, representing 33 universities, research institutions, and companies. Sessions were delivered by 14 lecturers, including two external to the COMPASS consortium.

Day 1 featured technical lectures aligned with COMPASS research topics, covering well design, material testing, and energy systems integration. The day also included a poster session, where participants presented their ongoing work and research projects, fostering dialogue and collaboration across disciplines.

On Day 2, the group visited the Reykjanes Peninsula and the IDDP-2 deep drilling site, hosted by HS Orka. The field programme included two technical briefings:

• Sigurður Markússon (Orkuveitan) provided an overview of the IDDP project and its relevance to current research.
• At site, Lárus Thorvaldsson (Chief Reservoir Engineer, HS Orka) delivered a detailed presentation on the IDDP-2 reservoir and drilling experience.

The Summer School offered participants direct exposure to both the technical challenges and the collaborative spirit driving innovation in superhot geothermal energy.

For inquiries, feel free to contact the COMPASS project office.