Annual
Report
2021

Geothermal Research Cluster

The Geothermal Research Cluster (GEORG) is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to promote research and development of geothermal resources sustainably and reduce the World’s dependence on carbon-based energy. GEORG brings together various actors in the geothermal field to accelerate the uptake of geothermal energy internationally, increasing value creation in research, engineering, and design for society’s benefit.

Within GEORG, there are close interactions between academia, industry and public authorities, which has contributed to better collaboration within and between the three sectors. The cooperation focuses on furthering interdisciplinary collaborations, notably with partners from socio-economic, volcanology and agricultural disciplines. On the international level, GEORG partnered with many renowned international institutions, which have resulted in closer and more comprehensive collaborations.

GEORG Goals

  • Reduce worldwide GHG emission by contributing to a significant increase in sustainable energy production/utilisation from geothermal sources.
  • Make Iceland a case study for near-total energy independent and a carbon-neutral society.
  • Create a platform for entrepreneurship and the export of geothermal energy resources and education, both for partners in the group and the wider geothermal industry
  • Respectively related to Affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and climate action).
  • Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD7, SDG9 and SDG13).

Message
from the Chairman of the Board
and the Managing Director

Prof. Sigurður Magnús Garðarsson

Eng. Hjalti Páll Ingólfsson

The past operating year was a busy year for GEORG with the continued hard work of running offices for several international research and coordination projects.  But also seeking new projects and funding.  With that respect, GEORG took part in a few project applications last year, some of which were successful.  That is now materializing into three grant agreements of over 250 MISK in value over the project’s periods.

GEORG
Impartial collaboration platform

Within GEORG, there are close interactions between academia, industry and public authorities, which has contributed to better collaboration within and between the three sectors. The cooperation focuses on furthering interdisciplinary collaborations, notably with partners from socio-economic, volcanology and agricultural disciplines. On the international level, GEORG partnered with many renowned international institutions, which have resulted in closer and more comprehensive collaborations.

Board

The Board of Directors of GEORG is composed of nine representatives of GEORG’s members, a Chairperson and eight directors: four directors represent the universities and research organisations and four directors represent the energy companies and private sector. Members of the Board are elected for a term of two years.

The following individuals were elected as a BoD member at the General Annual Assembly on Thursday, March 18, 2021

  • Sigurður Magnús Garðarsson
    Sigurður Magnús Garðarsson Chairman of the Board

    University of Iceland

  • Bjarni Pálsson
    Bjarni Pálsson Landsvirkjun
  • Carine Chatenay
    Carine Chatenay Verkís
  • María S. Guðjónsdóttir
    María S. Guðjónsdóttir University of Reykjavík
  • Kristín Steinunnardóttir
    Kristín Steinunnardóttir COWI
  • Halldór Geirsson
    Halldór Geirsson University of Iceland
  • Rúnar Unnþórsson
    Rúnar Unnþórsson University of Iceland
  • Vala Hjörleifsdóttir
    Vala Hjörleifsdóttir Reykjavík Energy
  • Bjarni Gautason
    Bjarni Gautason Iceland GeoSurvey

TEAM

We’d love to hear from you. Contact our team via E-mail, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for any inquiries or visit the website About GEORGsection to learn more about us and further contact details. 

Financial Statements

GEORG
2021 Highlights

Ongoing Projects

Conquering the extreme through “Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT)” 

Reducing geothermal production emissions through “GECO” 

Supporting energy transition in Europe through the project office of “GEOTHERMICA”  

Contributing to European strategy work 

Increasing public acceptance of geothermal through a new financial model 

The Clean Energy Transition Partnership

Completed Projects

Excellence in communicating deep geothermal drilling through “DEEPEGS” 

Tackling environmental challenges through “GEOENVI” 

Supporting entrepreneurship through “Startup Energy Reykjavik Business accelerator” 

This event has marked a milestone for GEORG. From the beginning when preparing the bid to the IGA in 2015 until the wrap up and closing of it all now in 2021, we have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to support the planning, organization and implementation of this long-awaited conference, and we are proud of the outcome and happy to witness this amazing international geothermal gathering in Reykjavik.

GEORG’s
Story

GEORG was founded in 2009 based on a successful proposal to the Centre of Excellence and Research Cluster Program of the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS).  The proposal was a seven-year project with the purpose to create and build strategic opportunities in the geothermal sector and position Iceland at the fore front of the field by creating a stronger base for entrepreneurship.    

From the very beginning there was a strong emphasis to serve GEORG partners well and to create a sustainable cooperation platform, beyond the project duration.  This has now been achieved and GEORG has become a key player in bridging a critical gap between different geothermal communities and has evolved to become a self-sustained research-driven international geothermal non-profit organization.   

Thanks to the long-term vision and commitment of GEORG’s board and its operational team, GEORG has thrived and acts as an impartial collaboration platform by building bridges between Research, Industry, and Public Authorities, for the benefit of society. 

Partners

partners2022

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This online Annual Report is published solely online, GEORG reserves the right to update the report if any errors,
discrepancies
, and/or any other inconsistencies are to be discovered. 

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