As part of its communications and dissemination role, GEORG organized and moderated the first COMPASS webinar on 15 January 2025. The event, titled “Superhot Geothermal Energy Production – Challenges and Opportunities,” featured experts from the COMPASS consortium (SINTEF, ISOR, TWI, TVS, and Orkuveitan) and covered key topics such as thermal stress mitigation, corrosion protection, and stakeholder engagement in superhot geothermal projects. The webinar attracted a diverse international audience from academia, industry, and public institutions and was an important milestone in increasing the project’s public outreach and knowledge sharing.
📎 Webinar Announcement & Programme

Webinar Recording

GEORG coordinated the COMPASS Iceland Week, a cornerstone event in the final year of the COMPASS project. The multi-day series included the project’s General Assembly, the COMPASS Summer School 2025, and a Regional Stakeholder Engagement Workshop. The Summer School (14–15 May) which focused on “Advancing Technologies for Superhot Geothermal Energy” and brings together 35 early-career researchers and professionals for lectures, a poster session, and a field trip to geothermal sites such as Svartsengi and Seltún. The final day features the Iceland Regional Workshop (16 May), gathering stakeholders from Orkuveitan, Landsvirkjun, HS Orka, ÍSOR, COWI, and others to discuss challenges and priorities in high-enthalpy and superhot geothermal development. GEORG led the planning, logistics, moderation, and communications across all three events, strengthening the project’s outreach and stakeholder alignment.

📎 Summer School Info
📎 Regional Workshop Info

GEORG in EPOS-ON

GEORG is a partner in the Horizon Europe-funded EPOS ON project, which supports the optimization and long-term evolution of the European Plate Observing System (EPOS)—a pan-European research infrastructure for solid Earth science. EPOS ON aims to expand data services, engage new user communities, and strengthen links between research and societal needs.

Website: https://www.epos-eu.org/on

Activities in 2025 revolved around engaging with stakeholders to prepare for a workshop on superhot geothermal energy featuring Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) at the World Geothermal Congress in Calgary, Canada on the 9th of June 2026. GEORG is also working on a roadmap with stakeholders to explore a potential collaboration between the science community and industry to share data from Krafla.

The GEOTHERMICA project has transitioned into the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, now firmly established as a strategic platform for accelerating geothermal energy deployment across Europe. Managed by GEORG along with the Environmental and Energy Agency of Iceland, UOS, the Initiative supports its Cabinet and Members in launching co-funded calls, coordinating joint activities, and driving the initiative’s smooth and effective operation.

GEOTHERMICA’s core mission is to align national research and innovation programs through public-sector collaboration, creating a unified front that accelerates the integration of geothermal energy into the broader energy transition. The vision is clear: moving beyond isolated national efforts and fostering long-term, transnational cooperation that strengthens the geothermal sector. In 2025, GEOTHERMICA is organising several key events that bring together stakeholders from the geothermal community

• Meeting for Members in Vienna
• Workshop on UTES in collaboration with IEA Geothermal in Vieanna
• Knowledge-Sharing Workshop Glasgow
• EGC Zurich

By coordinating these events and initiatives, GEOTHERMICA continues to shape the future of geothermal energy in Europe and beyond, ensuring it remains a central pillar of the clean energy transition.

The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) collaborates on research, technology development, and innovation across borders. It aims to boost the shift towards clean energy by combining funding from regional and national Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) programs. The goal is to support the EU’s aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. CETP aims to fund various technologies and solutions needed for this transition by pooling national resources.

GEORG stays at the forefront of this transformation, actively managing the TRI4 Heating and Cooling Office in collaboration with Orkustofnun and the GEOTHERMICA network. Over the past year, our contributions have shaped critical aspects of CETP, including developing monitoring guidelines for partnership calls and refining the impact strategy of funded projects. As leaders in the Heating and Cooling Challenge (TRI4), our team organises annual Joint Calls and spearheads strategic initiatives to advance geothermal energy solutions for heating and cooling.

In 2025, GEORG’s engagement with CETP expands through new knowledge-sharing activities:

• Knowledge sharing workshop
• Meetings

Through these initiatives, GEORG continues to push sustainable energy solutions, reinforcing CETP’s mission to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition. With a detailed plan targeting 2030, CETP tackles key challenges of the energy transition, emphasising tangible results and measurable impacts.

Our team primarily focuses on organising annual Joint Calls under the Heating and Cooling Challenge (TRI4). We manage the office for this initiative and drive strategic developments to promote the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling, and geothermal energy technologies. This challenge supports various technologies related to heating and cooling, including geothermal energy at all depths, solar thermal applications, systems for buildings, storage solutions, and industrial applications.

https://cetpartnership.eu/

https://cetpartnership.eu/index.php/tri/4

The GEOTHERM FORA project works towards facilitating research and innovation (R&I) activities by supporting the work of the Geothermal Implementation Working Group (IWG) and the European Technology & Innovation Platform on Geothermal (ETIP). The project is EU funded, and is part of the HORIZON Climate, Energy and Mobility Programme. The project consortium consists of seven European entities including GEORG Geothermal Research Cluster, and is led by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). GEORG manages one of the work packages of the project which aims to strengthen, monitor, and expand the collaboration in the Geothermal IWG. GEORG also runs the secretariat for the Geothermal IWG.

Budget: € 999,546

Duration: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2025.

The Geothermal IWG is one of the designated working groups supporting the implementation of the SET Plan, Europe’s Strategic Energy Technology Plan. The Geothermal IWG brings together SET Plan countries, the European Commission, the geothermal energy industry (EGEC & ETIP), and the research community (EERA) at a European level.

The mission of the Geothermal IWG is to coordinate research and innovation efforts and jointly support the transition to a resilient and climate-neutral Europe which utilises geothermal energy to its full potential. The Geothermal IWG identifies pressing issues for the development of Europe’s geothermal energy market, aligning industry support and R&I activities of its respective member states. The key priorities of the Geothermal IWG are heating and cooling technologies; power technologies; storage; and co-production of minerals.

Key activities in 2025 include:

• SET Plan Annual Report
• General Assembly
• Meeting for Members

The project “Geothermal Synergy: Iceland-Poland Knowledge Exchange” (GeoSynergy) was co-financed by the Bilateral Cooperation Fund of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014-2021 and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 under the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Programme.

Duration: 01.09.2024 – 28.02.2025

Project budget: ca. 563,000 PLN

The project strengthens collaboration between Iceland and Poland to advance geothermal energy through knowledge exchange, policy development, and strategic partnerships. Iceland’s expertise supports Poland in building effective geothermal frameworks, contributing to climate goals, energy security, and economic resilience.

Key activities included a high-level study visit to Iceland in February 2025, bringing Polish stakeholders together with leading institutions for policy dialogue and field insights. Additional online events and joint work ensured continuous cooperation and broader stakeholder engagement.

The project also supports Poland’s pathway toward integration into the GEOTHERMICA initiative, strengthening European collaboration in geothermal development. Implemented with Orkustofnun and MEERI PAS, and funded by the EEA and Norway Grants and Innovation Norway, the project has established a strong foundation for long-term partnership and sustainable energy transition.

More information and reports on https://keygeothermal.pl/en/geosynergy-2/

The Geothermal Bridge Initiative is a bilateral project between Iceland and Romania. The project is funded by EEA & Norway Grants, and is part of the Energy Programme Romania which aims to reduce carbon intensive energy and strengthen energy security. Project partners are GEORG Geothermal Research Cluster, the National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun), and the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Romania (UEFISCDI). The objectives of the project include knowledge transfer and capacity building; promoting R&D and technological advancement; and building long-term strategic cooperation between Iceland and Romania in the field of geothermal energy. Through a series of three high-impact workshops, the initiative brought together stakeholders from public authorities, academia, and industry to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen regional partnerships.

Budget: €320,080

Duration: 1 June 2024 – 31 March 2025

Key activities include:

• Workshop in Oradea, Romania in January 2025.
• Participation in Final Event of the EEA Grants Programmes in Romania in March 2025.

The project identified and focused on several core themes, such as improving regulatory and legal frameworks; enhancing capacity building and education; facilitating public engagement and social license to operate; and exploring innovative geothermal applications such as district heating and agri-food production. Important connections were made during the project that will undoubtedly result in future bilateral and multilateral projects involving Iceland and Romania, while supporting broader European goals for clean energy transition, innovation, and regional energy resilience.

ETIP Geothermal remains committed to advancing deep geothermal technology, solidifying its role in Europe’s energy transition and beyond. Alicja Stoklosa, as a member of the Steering Committee for 2024-2026, representing the GEORG Cluster, continues to contribute expertise, fostering collaboration among key players in the geothermal sector. By bringing together leading researchers, engineers, and industry experts, GEORG strengthens innovation and drives value creation in geothermal research, engineering, and design for the benefit of society.

GEORG’s engagement within the Steering Committee focuses on:

• Strengthening collaboration between European geothermal stakeholders to align funding strategies and research priorities.
• Identifying key innovations that enhance geothermal energy applications and sustainability.
• Deepening partnerships with global geothermal initiatives to accelerate knowledge exchange and deployment efforts.

Participation in ETIP Geothermal provides valuable opportunities to shape the future of geothermal energy while gaining access to cutting-edge technologies and emerging solutions. Through its leadership, GEORG continues to drive progress in making geothermal a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy transition.

In late November, as part of the BRYCK partnership and the broader Tech Tour Energy & Decarbonisation 2025 programme, GEORG and Landsvirkjun co-organised a dedicated geothermal session that brought together industry leaders, investors, and experts to discuss pathways for scaling geothermal energy in Europe and beyond.

The session focused on sparking interest in geothermal innovation and investments, highlighting strengths in technology development, resource utilisation, and investment potential. Speakers underscored the latest advancements in geothermal systems, emerging business models, and evolving market opportunities across Europe’s heating, cooling, and power sectors.

Luca Xodo, Sales & Engagement Director at STEAM and Chairman of ETIP-Geothermal, opened the session with the “Geothermal Technologies Super-Short Course – The Innovations Driving Market Expansion.” He outlined how next-generation geothermal technologies—from advanced closed-loop concepts to 5th-generation district heating—are broadening geothermal’s geographical applicability, reducing costs, and attracting new pools of capital, including venture capital.

Bríet Ósk Magnúsdóttir, Business Innovation Manager at Landsvirkjun, presented Iceland’s unique geothermal landscape and innovation ecosystem. She highlighted ongoing efforts in deep drilling, subsurface research, and circular value creation, including applications in materials, microalgae, and industrial processes. Her presentation illustrated how Iceland’s expertise provides a model for accelerating renewable energy transitions across Europe.

Alicja Stokłosa, Director of GEORG Geothermal Research Cluster, closed the session by emphasising the importance of cross-sector partnerships to drive geothermal deployment. She highlighted the role of coordinated research, industry collaboration, and investor engagement in accelerating technology transfer and strengthening Europe’s geothermal value chain.

The event reinforced geothermal energy’s essential role in delivering firm, renewable, baseload power and heating—combining reliability, sustainability, and innovation to support decarbonisation at scale.

GEORG actively participated in the European Geothermal Congress (EGC), held in Zürich, Switzerland, on 6-8 October 2025.

The Geothermal IWG, GEOTHERMICA Initiative, and IEA Geothermal co-organized a side event at the EGC – Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) Symposium – which brought together experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to explore the market potential of UTES. GEORG runs the secretariats for the Geothermal IWG and GEOTHERMICA Initiative and thus co-lead the planning and execution of this successful event with IEA Geothermal. More about the event here https://www.geothermica.eu/article/utes-symposium-in-zurich-2025

GEORG also took part in poster sessions at the EGC, with Alicja Stoklosa presenting on behalf of both the GEOTHERMICA Initiative and the CETPartnership Heating & Cooling Initiative. The posters highlighted collaborative efforts driving innovation in geothermal technologies and international partnerships.

GEORG co-organised the final meeting of the COMPASS Project, which also took place at the EGC, a milestone event that brought together stakeholders to reflect on achievements and chart the path forward. Amel Barich shared insights from the COMPASS project during a roundtable presentation, “Developing Effective Communication Guidelines for Geothermal Energy Projects,” which focused on building impactful communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her talk emphasised the importance of transparency, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement in geothermal energy initiatives.

Throughout the congress, the GEORG Team engaged in discussions with Icelandic, Polish, German, Dutch, and Belgian partners, reinforcing its strong ties within the international geothermal community and exploring new avenues for collaboration and joint research. GEORG remains committed to fostering innovation and cooperation in the field of geothermal energy.

On 16–17 September 2025, GEORG proudly co-organised a Knowledge-Sharing Workshop in Glasgow, bringing together leading European projects that drive the decarbonization of heating and cooling systems. The event was hosted at The Ramshorn and jointly organised with the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise, the CETPartnership, and the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, in cooperation with JPP SES.

The workshop gathered over 40 participants from transnational projects funded through the CETPartnership Joint Calls 2022 and 2023, as well as GEOTHERMICA and JPP SES. It provided a platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and showcase tangible progress in geothermal energy, thermal storage, and the integration of smart energy systems.

GEORG’s role focused on connecting stakeholders, fostering dialogue, and making results visible, ensuring that researchers, companies, and funding agencies could share insights and build new synergies.

Research projects presented promising pathways for integrating renewable and local energy sources into both industrial and residential heating systems. Participants highlighted the value of the workshop in providing technical insights, strong networking opportunities, and a real sense of momentum behind the heating and cooling transition.

Presentations from the event are available here: European Heating & Cooling Innovation on Display

At GEORG, we are proud to contribute to these initiatives, providing a platform where companies, researchers, and policymakers can come together, exchange knowledge, and accelerate the clean energy transition.

GEORG has the pleasure to co-lead the GEOTHERMICA Initiative alongside our partners at Umhverfis- og Orkustofnun (UOS). As management partners, we have steered a dynamic first half of 2025, delivering key meetings, technical workshops, and high-level collaboration across Europe.

Oradea, Romania – GEOTHERMICA Annual Meeting

On 29 January 2025, GEORG co-organised the GEOTHERMICA Annual Meeting in Oradea. The event united public authorities, policymakers, and geothermal experts from across Europe to accelerate strategic action on geothermal energy with insights on:

Urban geothermal deployment insights in Poland and Romania
Strategic dialogues on policy & risk frameworks
Announcement of two European workshops slated for 2025
For more information on the event, please visit here.

Reykjavík, Iceland – Polish delegation visit

Following Oradea, GEORG and UOS welcomed senior delegates from the Polish Ministry of Climate & Environment under our Geothermal Synergy cooperation. This visit strengthened bilateral ties and supported Poland’s geothermal development strategy at the ministerial level. For more information about the visit, please refer to this link.

Vienna, Austria – UTES Workshop

Between 19 and 23 May 2025, GEORG co-organised, alongside the IEA Geothermal and Geothermal IWG, a workshop on Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) in Vienna. Discussions addressed national UTES policies and emerging European business cases—more about the workshop here.

Why is this important for us

These events showcase GEOTHERMICA’s core mission: to connect cities and regions, empower public authorities, and encourage peer learning and coordinated action in support of Europe’s clean energy transition.

Our leadership and continued success rely on strong cooperation with national funding agencies like RVO – Netherlands Enterprise Agency, DETEC – Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Switzerland, PtJ – Project Management Jülich, Germany, GSI – Geological Survey Ireland, DoE – United States Department of Energy, The U.S. federal agency and others—all contributing to shaping Europe’s geothermal future.

As the Icelandic representative, GEORG is grateful to assist in running this lively initiative and upholding our shared vision for sustainable geothermal energy, as well as its related aspects of heating, energy storage, and policy innovation.

The International Energy Agency Geothermal (IEA), the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, and the Geothermal Implementation Working Group (IWG) co-organized a workshop focusing on UTES policies and strategies in European member states on the 22 of May 2025 in Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna. GEORG leads the GEOTHERMICA Initiative Office, as well as the Geothermal IWG Secretariat, and thus has an active role in the activities of these organizations.

Participants from Iceland, Austria, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, and Belgium attended the workshop. Representatives of public authorities discussed and compared UTES policies in their respective countries, while representatives from BNG Bank, Ruden, Qheat, and Wien Energy introduced successful UTES projects and business cases to the audience. The importance of UTES for the energy transition is increasingly recognized in Europe.

In May 2025, Reykjavík became the focal point of Europe’s geothermal innovation landscape as the COMPASS project hosted a week of high-impact activities during Iceland Innovation Week. GEORG, as one of the core COMPASS partners and the national geothermal research cluster, played a central role in shaping and delivering the programme.

COMPASS Iceland Week, held from 13–16 May, brought together scientists, engineers, operators, policymakers, and students to accelerate the conversation around superhot geothermal (SHG) — one of the most promising and complex frontiers in clean energy.

GEORG’s Contribution to the Week

The week was coordinated by Dr. Amel Barich from GEORG, in close collaboration with Orkuveitan and ON Power. GEORG contributed to all three main events:

🔹 Final General Assembly

The COMPASS consortium met for a full-day session to review the project’s progress and prepare for its final months. GEORG contributed to the strategic review and planning for dissemination and exploitation, with a focus on delivering value beyond the project’s lifetime.

🔹 International Summer School

GEORG coordinated the COMPASS Summer School, which welcomed 35 participants from 17 countries and 5 continents. The two-day programme included lectures from 14 geothermal experts, a poster session, and a field visit to the IDDP-2 deep drilling site at Reykjanes. The school focused on high-temperature well systems and materials, aligning with COMPASS’s core research areas.

🔹 National Stakeholder Workshop

GEORG also co-organised the COMPASS Stakeholder Workshop, which brought together leading voices from Iceland’s geothermal sector. Two panels — one strategic and one technical — explored enabling conditions for SHG, lessons from IDDP, and the importance of public engagement and sector alignment.

Looking Ahead

As the COMPASS project enters its final phase, GEORG remains committed to supporting the advancement of superhot geothermal energy — through research coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Insights gathered during COMPASS Iceland Week will directly inform the project’s final roadmap and dissemination activities.

We thank all our partners, speakers, students, and participants who made this week a success. We also invite the broader geothermal community to explore the event recap and photo gallery available on the COMPASS website.

The Geothermal Synergy project is an initiative to foster a robust geothermal partnership between Poland and Iceland. Financed by the FM EEA and Norway Grants, this project underscores the value of international cooperation in achieving sustainable energy goals. By combining Poland’s untapped geothermal potential with Iceland’s decades of expertise, the project aims to pave the way for a greener and more resilient energy future.

The FM EEA mechanism—a collaboration between Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—has driven European renewable energy projects. This project aligns with its overarching goal to bridge knowledge, technology, and infrastructure gaps between participating countries. It also represents a significant step towards meeting Europe’s climate goals, as set out in the European Green Deal.

Poland has significant geothermal resources, primarily low-temperature, suitable for direct applications such as district heating, bathing, and industrial processes​​. However, limited infrastructure and regulatory hurdles have hindered full exploitation. Iceland, in contrast, has emerged as a global leader in geothermal energy. With advanced geothermal systems supporting 90% of its central heating and contributing 30% of its electricity production, Iceland exemplifies how to harness this renewable resource effectively​. However, at the end of 2022, Poland operated ten geothermal district heating systems with a combined capacity of 123.4 MW, marking a 26% increase since 2019. Additionally, shallow geothermal technologies, including heat pumps, have grown significantly, with over 900 MW of capacity installed by 2022.

The FM EEA framework offers Poland access to Icelandic expertise, creating sustainable development and mutual learning opportunities. Despite progress, the geothermal sector’s share in Poland’s energy mix remains marginal. Challenges such as limited infrastructure, high initial investment costs, and regulatory complexities hinder further development. Meanwhile, Iceland has established itself as a global leader in geothermal energy. Iceland’s geothermal resources support 90% of its central heating and contribute 30% of its electricity production, demonstrating the transformative potential of these resources when harnessed effectively.

The collaboration under the Geothermal Synergy project bridges Poland’s aspirations and Iceland’s achievements, fostering a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Objectives of the Geothermal Synergy project

A key element of the Geothermal Synergy Project is the engagement of top specialists and experts in geothermal energy from Poland and Iceland to foster collaboration at the public authority level. While Poland and Iceland have different geological properties, many aspects of geothermal utilisation, policy development, and technological deployment remain universal. The project seeks to adapt best practices to Poland’s evolving geothermal sector by showcasing Iceland’s successful geothermal model.

The project is built upon three primary objectives:

1. Knowledge exchange and technical support
   The project facilitates the transfer of Icelandic expertise to Polish stakeholders, focusing on geothermal exploration, cascading resource usage, and operational best practices. By learning from Iceland’s advanced geothermal experience, Poland can maximise the efficiency and sustainability of its geothermal reserves. This exchange also ensures Polish specialists gain practical insights into drilling techniques, district heating solutions, and environmental impact management.
2. Policy development and regulatory adaptation
   One of the main goals is to support Poland in developing and implementing effective geothermal policies by adapting Iceland’s proven regulatory frameworks. This includes community engagement strategies, simplified permitting processes, and financial incentives that have successfully driven Iceland’s geothermal expansion. The project aims to reduce investment risks and enhance Poland’s geothermal market viability by integrating these policy measures.
3. Integration into the GEOTHERMICA Initiative
   Strengthening Poland’s role in the GEOTHERMICA Initiative is fundamental to the project. GEOTHERMICA is a transnational program that promotes research, innovation, and geothermal energy deployment across Europe. Through this integration, Polish stakeholders gain access to cutting-edge geothermal technologies, funding opportunities, and international collaborations that will accelerate geothermal adoption in Poland.

On February 11-12, a delegation from Poland took part in study visit to Iceland through the Geothermal Synergy Project, launched in 2024, to further advance their geothermal energy collaboration. Under the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, this six-month project is a cooperation project between the Environment and Energy Agency (EEA) in Iceland and MEERI PAS in Poland to bridge Iceland’s expertise with Poland’s geothermal potential, supporting sustainable energy development.

Impact of Geothermal Synergy Project

The study tour provided first-hand insights into Iceland’s geothermal infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, fostering stronger collaboration between Polish and Icelandic government bodies. Participants took part in an in-depth study tour of Iceland’s geothermal sites. The visit strengthened technical cooperation and policy exchange, particularly in district heating systems, industrial geothermal applications, and innovation strategies.

The first day of the study tour focused on the Round Table Meeting to discuss geothermal energy cooperation, regulatory frameworks, and strategic collaboration opportunities. Officials from the Polish delegation alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Poland in Iceland attended the event. The meeting was opened by Mr Gestur Pétursson from Iceland’s Environmental and Energy Agency, followed by Mr Krzysztof Galos (Ministry of Climate & Environment, Poland) and Ms Magdalena Wdowin and Magdalena Tyszer (MEERI PAS, Poland), who emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation in geothermal energy development. Project has been driven by Beata Kępińska and MEERI PAS team, Baldur Pétursson and Alicja Wiktoria Stoklosa in the National Energy Authority.

This would not happen without cooperation with Wojciech Łysik, Piotr Bogusz and the Ministry of Environment and Climate team in Poland, who strongly advocate for the ministry to join the exceptional team for the study visit in Iceland.  The project has enhanced bilateral cooperation, bringing together ministries, municipalities, and businesses in both countries. Due to geothermal projects’ technical, legal, and financial complexities, these initiatives have facilitated capacity building, knowledge sharing, networking, and cooperation in business partnerships. Therefore, these factors highlight the importance of such projects for long-term collaboration between Poland and Iceland in geothermal energy. “The cooperation between Poland and Iceland in the field of geothermal energy should continue to grow. Thanks to this collaboration, Poland has been able to train specialists, enhance competencies — particularly among local governments — and encourage increased investments in this renewable energy source,” said Krzysztof Galos, Polish Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment.

The key outcomes of the meeting highlighted the need to strengthen Poland’s engagement with the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, allowing access to European geothermal research networks and funding mechanisms. Participants recognised the value of leveraging Iceland’s expertise in district heating to develop efficient, scalable models that can be implemented in Polish municipalities.

Additionally, discussions emphasised the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks to facilitate geothermal energy deployment in Poland, ensuring a streamlined permitting process and increased investor confidence. The meeting also fostered an interest in expanding research collaboration through Rannís and European funding programs, reinforcing the importance of knowledge exchange, financial cooperation, and policy adaptation to support Poland’s geothermal energy transition. The session concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration at the governmental, municipal, and industry levels, setting the foundation for future joint initiatives.

Among the key visits on February 11, the Reykjavik Geothermal District Heating study tour began with a morning session at Green by Iceland in Groska Business Hub, where discussions centered on geothermal research, investment strategies, and financing mechanisms. This was followed by a visit to Mosfellsbær geothermal greenhouse Lambhagi, where officials observed firsthand how geothermal energy supports sustainable agriculture.

Later, the delegation toured the Veitur district heating system, a company specialising in district heating and the direct use of geothermal energy. The system demonstrated the efficiency of Iceland’s geothermal heating infrastructure and its potential applications in Poland.

At Orkuveita Reykjavíkur headquarters (Reykjavik Energy), Harpa Petursdottir, Director of New Energy and Heimir Tryggvason,specialist in innovation and technology development, engaged discussions focused on expanding district heating networks and developing new geothermal wells to meet future energy needs. The day concluded with a meeting at the newly established Environment and Energy Agency (UOS), where officials engaged in in-depth discussions on regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and best practices for integrating geothermal energy into national energy policies.

On the second day, the South Coast Geothermal Exploration began. The delegation then toured Geothermal Park ON, at Hellisheiði —Industrial and Innovation Park, gaining insights into Iceland’s integration of geothermal energy into industrial applications.

A site visit to Selfossveitur—Selfoss District Heating allowed Polish officials to examine how smaller municipalities implement geothermal heating systems successfully. The group then visited the Friðheimar greenhouse system, a prime example of geothermal energy supporting sustainable food production.

The day concluded with a networking session at the Friðheimar tomato farm in Flúðir, where Polish and Icelandic stakeholders discussed ways to strengthen future collaboration in geothermal development.

Policy and regulatory frameworks – lessons from Iceland

An element of the visit was learning from Iceland’s successful regulatory framework. By studying Iceland’s policy approach, Polish officials explored ways to develop supportive policies for geothermal energy, including permitting processes, financial incentives, and risk mitigation strategies to accelerate Poland’s transition to sustainable heating solutions. The delegation also met with representatives from the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, reinforcing Poland’s growing interest in aligning with the European geothermal research and development network. By leveraging existing frameworks and strategic support, Poland aims to enhance its international collaboration in geothermal energy and further integrate into multinational innovation and funding programs by 2025.

The Role of the GEOTHERMICA Initiative

The delegation also met with representatives from the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, reinforcing Poland’s growing interest in aligning with the European geothermal research and development network. By leveraging existing frameworks and strategic support, Poland aims to enhance its international collaboration in geothermal energy and further integrate into multinational innovation and funding programs by 2025.

The third and final workshop of the GeoThermal Bridge Initiative, funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, took place in Oradea, Romania from January 28–29, bringing together key stakeholders from Romania, Iceland, Poland, and other GEOTHERMICA Initiative Member States. The event marked a significant milestone in fostering regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing on low- to medium-temperature geothermal energy development.

About the GeoThermal Bridge Initiative

The GeoThermal Bridge Initiative was designed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Iceland and Romania, as well as regional collaboration on the development of geothermal energy. With Romania as a key partner, the project aims to support the country’s growing interest in geothermal energy by facilitating knowledge exchange, improving regulatory frameworks, and enhancing technical expertise.

Through a series of workshops, the project has provided a platform for stakeholders including policy makers, academics, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss innovative solutions for geothermal energy exploitation in the region. This initiative has laid the groundwork for collaborative research, education exchanges, and joint projects that promote sustainable energy solutions and economic growth.

The Final Workshop in Oradea, Romania

Representatives from various regions in Romania and Iceland travelled to Oradea to participate in the workshop, along with representatives from Poland and the GEOTHERMICA Initiative. The workshop in Oradea highlighted several promising areas for future collaboration:

• Research & Education: Building capacity through joint research programs and academic exchanges to develop expertise in geothermal technology and its applications.
• Geothermal for Value Creation: Exploring innovative uses of geothermal energy beyond heating, such as food production, greenhouse agriculture, and tourism development.
• District Heating Systems: Identifying opportunities for integrating geothermal energy into district heating networks, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon footprints.
• Social License to Operate: Addressing community engagement and ensuring public support for geothermal projects through transparent communication and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
• Regulatory Improvements: Discussing the need for streamlined legal frameworks and supportive policies that can attract investment and accelerate geothermal energy development in the region.

The Role of Oradea in Geothermal Development

Oradea, known for its geothermal resources, served as an ideal location for this final workshop. The city has long been a leader in utilizing geothermal energy for district heating, providing a practical example of how this renewable resource can drive local development and improve quality of life. Workshop participants had the opportunity to visit local geothermal installations and gain hands-on insights into the city’s innovative energy solutions.

Strengthening Iceland-Romania Collaboration

One of the key achievements of the project has been establishing a strong foundation for continued cooperation between Romania and Iceland. By leveraging Iceland’s extensive experience in geothermal energy utilization and combining it with Romania’s resource potential, the two countries can develop joint projects that benefit both nations and the wider region.

Looking Ahead

As the Geothermal Bridge Initiative concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of strengthened regional collaboration, improved knowledge-sharing, and a clearer roadmap for developing geothermal resources in Central and Eastern Europe. The partnerships formed through this project are expected to spark future research, investment, and innovation in geothermal energy, contributing to Europe’s broader transition toward sustainable and clean energy solutions.

Special thanks go to the project partners—UEFISCDI, Icelandic Environment & Energy Agency, and Oradea City Hall—for their dedicated support and collaboration throughout the initiative.