Exploring Sustainable Energy Solutions in Iceland

The Earth’s heat reservoirs represent a clean and renewable source of energy, offering a local and conflict-independent solution that enhances regional energy security. Unlike wind or solar energy, geothermal sources operate safely and provide stable access year-round.  

Our researcher Viera Rozinajova participated in a study visit to Iceland organized by the SARIO agency. In September 2023, twenty Slovak experts visited Iceland, a leader in geothermal energy, to connect, learn, and share knowledge for the improvement of their geothermal projects.

The visit highlighted Iceland’s geothermal facilities, including the Hellisheidi power plant and Resource Park, which scales the utilization of geothermal energy, including fish farming, greenhouse cultivation, and other applications. They also visited the Blue Lagoon, a facility using underground water from a geothermal well for therapeutic recreation.  

The study visit was organized after the President Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson’s visit to Slovakia, back in October 2022. Consequently, the president’s visit was seamlessly integrated into the agenda of this three-day professional journey.

As part of supporting bilateral relations and collaboration opportunities with Iceland, Slovak experts presented Slovakia’s geothermal potential and the largest project for using geothermal energy in Central Europe, set to be implemented in Košice, during a workshop.

During the visit, discussions were initiated about Slovakia potentially joining the GEOTHERMICA platform, which currently includes 14 countries and over 20 institutions. This platform aims to coordinate investments in geothermal research and development across European countries.