GEORG Geothermal Energy Research Cluster Initiative – Bridging the Community Gap

Abstract

The Geothermal Research Cluster (GEORG) is a sustainable geothermal research cluster initiative which brings together players in the geothermal field to form a strong force for rapid progress and value creation in the geothermal research, engineering and design for the benefit of the society. It consists of 22 partners, combining all the main educational and research organizations, energy companies, engineering firms and start-ups in Iceland as well as their key international collaborators in the geothermal science and utilization. The GEORG project portfolio is based on enhancing the capabilities of the cluster members in developing their geothermal competencies. The largest project is the Horizon 2020 project, DEEPEGS, coordinated by HS Orka, which has already successfully drilled the deepest well in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula. GEORG is leading the development of the Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) project, with a large international group of experts and stakeholders, where the objective is to establish an international in-situ magma laboratory at Krafla volcano in Northern Iceland. GEORG is managing the project office of the HORIZON 2020 ERA NET Co-fund GEOTHERMICA, coordinated by Orkustofnun Iceland, and more recently, GEORG took part of the H2020 largely funded Geothermal Emission Control (GECO) Project, coordinated by Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy), both at the project office and at the dissemination levels. It is also undertaking a new project related to public acceptance of geothermal, carrying a socio-economic study. Moreover, GEORG is participating in several influential committees on geothermal issues, including the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Deep Geothermal (ETIP-DG) and the HORIZON 2020 Energy Committee. By adopting a sustainable business model, GEORG cluster has evolved to become a valuable platform helping foster geothermal cooperation around the World, creating opportunities in the geothermal field by investing and valorizing the geothermal research, knowledge and expertise, and it has benefited the cluster members with a special focus on building bridges not only between the research community and industry, but also with policy makers and the public.