SPRING Allocation 2025

IceWind ehf. – ISK 4,600,000

IceWind has been developing small vertical-axis wind turbines for the extreme weather conditions of the Arctic. This year, the first turbine from the production line will see the light of day and will enter a testing phase in various projects across Iceland and abroad. The project in question revolves around exploring the feasibility of installing a wind turbine and a solar panel at a pumping station for Veitur to be part of the station's backup power system. The energy produced by the turbine and the solar panels will also be used to partially power the pumping station in its daily operations, thereby reducing the station's operating costs. The installation aims to increase the security of supply in district heating systems and lower their operating costs.

Sonomicrolabs ehf. – 5,000,000 kr.

Freshwater is used in large quantities in many industrial processes worldwide, such as in power generation, the food and beverage industry, distribution utilities, and oil and gas extraction.

Sonomicro's technical solution provides automatic and digital data collection that allows users to automate processes, make informed decisions, and achieve sustainability and efficiency goals in the use of water resources. The solution is based on "transit-time" ultrasonic measurement that detects flow through pipes and utilizes NB-IoT technology for wireless communication with Sonomicro's cloud or the customer's.

Lieke Ponsioen – SEK 3,000,000

Freshwater ecosystems have long been subject to significant anthropogenic pressures, with various human activities introducing harmful stressors, such as toxic chemicals and industrial waste heat which poses substantial risks to aquatic life. At the southern end of Þingvallavatn, the Nesjavellir Power Plant contributes to this challenge by disposing of its cooling water which eventually makes its way into the lake, where it can have potential consequences for the lake’s ecosystem. Higher water temperatures are particularly harmful to resident fish species such as the Arctic charr, which has a narrow thermal tolerance and is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. This study seeks to investigate whether such temperature fluctuations may affect the behaviour of Arctic charr in Þingvallavatn.

Agricultural University of Iceland – ISK 5,000,000

About 2/3 of the total human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in Iceland are estimated to come from drained peatlands, both pastures and croplands. However, those numbers are highly uncertain due to a lack of local studies on the GHG balance of such lands in Iceland. Only two studies have been done so far on the C-balance of drained croplands, one in E-Iceland and another in N-Iceland. Here we propose to add the third study on the C-balance in such lands, and the first that measures the fluxes of all the GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O) in croplands. This is an independent project but will be done in collaboration with an ongoing RANNÍS project ReWet (2024 – 2026) at the Lækur farm, where GHG balances are studied in an adjacent drained peatland pasture in W-Iceland. An additional research site is at the Hvanneyri farm and the third at the farm Syðstu-Garðar.

Samuel Warren Scott – DKK 2,500,000

Cold groundwater recharge decreases production temperatures in low-temperature geothermal systems, and is one of the main factors controlling the long-term suitability of low-temperature geothermal resources for district heat utilization. Cold water recharge can also introduce oxygen bearing water into the systems, which is undesired. The two low-temperature systems in the Reykjavik area, Laugarnes and Elliðaárdalur, show contrasting cooling patterns that remain to be fully understood. While cooling in Laugarnes has been very gradual, more rapid cooling in Elliðaárdalur has coincided with chemical changes that have led to corrosion and utilization challenges. Building on previous work exploring groundwater flow patterns in these systems, we will analyze new and existing field measurements (geochemical, physical and hydrological) to better understand the cooling behavior of these systems. Results from this project will enable better predictions of the long-term temperature evolution of these fields in response to extended production and will help provide actionable insights leading to more effective field management. This project will contribute to more effective long-term management of low-temperature geothermal resources in Iceland.

Christine Groves – DKK 1,000,000

Geothermal wells can decline over time, which decreases their power production and eventually makes them unusable for power generation due to pressure drop below the power plant’s operating pressure. This challenge can be mitigated with an ejector, where fluid from a low-pressure well can be drawn up with a high-pressure well. This solution has been tested by the project Geoejector project, led by Reykjavik University, both on a laboratory scale and field scale at Þeistareykir. While these tests have validated the concept, more research needs to be done to understand the ejector’s behavior thoroughly before it is used in full-scale applications in other geothermal areas.

The next phase of the Geoejector project involves testing supersonic ejectors using two-phase flow (water and steam) in the energy laboratory of Reykjavik University and designing and testing a supersonic ejector for a pilot station at Hellisheiði power plant for two-phase flow, as well as continuing testing at Þeistareykir. The laboratory experiments and field test results will be used to validate analytical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models.

The results from the project might enable geothermal plant operators to use wells otherwise deemed idle, thereby reducing the cost of drilling make-up wells.

Iceland GeoSurvey ÍSOR – 5,000,000 ISK

The project involves the development of measurements using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for geothermal exploration. The project will work on measurements and the development of methodology, along with data processing and interpretation. Geological strata and fractures will be mapped in potential supply areas for Veitur/Orkuveitan, which are located on bedrock covered by vegetation and are outside of volcanic zones and recent volcanic activity.

Gregory P. De Pascale – 5,000,000 kr.

This project proposes to undertake the first fault trenching study in Southwest Iceland. This will focus on faults identified during 2024 investigations that potentially pose fault rupture hazards (like in Grindavík) to the Reykjavík Energy hot and cold water pipelines. The goal of this proposal will be to screen major fault crossing for existing and planned new pipeline routes. We will determine trenching sites along key fault crossings to evaluate the presence or absence of faulting in the subsurface, and then conduct a paleoseismic trenching investigation, all in close consultation with the Reykjavík Energy teams regarding their priorities. The goal of this investigation is to dig trenches crossing suspected faultlines to verify the presence of a fault and then to obtain structural parameters to aid in pipeline design, for example amount of slip (in meters), orientation, style of faulting, and timing of prior events. Samples will be collected for geological timing and include radiocarbon and luminescence dating, and potentially tephrachronology (i.e. analysis of ash layers using known eruptions from Icelandic volcanoes for age control). Results will help make Reykjavík Energy‘s pipeline routes more resilient during future unrest.

Petra Toneva – 1,000,000 kr.

Wetlands are a critical aid in mitigating the risks caused by the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. The thesis project will contribute to (1) the standardization of wetland geospatial analysis through a comprehensive review of existing datasets and models and (2) the integration of wetlands as a component in a major environmental accounting framework, the Ecological Footprint. Given the range of ecosystem services provided by wetlands, the current deteriorated status of these ecosystems reduces the global capacity to meet climate goals and exacerbates issues pertaining to species extinction, carbon balance, water quality and supply, flood regimes, groundwater recharge and nutrient removal (Fluet-Chouinard et al., 2023). Therefore, the thesis project directly contributes to elucidating and conveying the role wetlands play in global environmental processes, which develops the knowledge base to facilitates action towards the restoration and protection of wetland ecosystems.

Svepparíkið ehf. – ISK 5,000,000

The True Fungi System (TFS) is a revolutionary, carbon-negative mushroom cultivation system based on sustainability and circular thinking. The system transforms organic waste, such as coffee bean husks, sawdust, and brewer's spent grain, into a growth medium for cultivating gourmet mushrooms and producing bioethanol, making the production "zero waste." With TFS, the goal is to maximize resource utilization, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve food production.

The system is based on a seven-step cultivation process and includes automated environmental controls, artificial intelligence software, and custom-designed hardware. The system's products are high-quality gourmet mushrooms and bioethanol, which can be used as a clean biofuel. The project contributes to reduced waste, sustainability, and increased food security in Iceland.

The project's implementation has already begun in Borgarhella with a pilot cultivation that has yielded outstanding results. The goal is to fully implement TFS in Helguvík in 2027, with an annual utilization of 1,200 tons of organic waste and a reduction of 1,200 tons of CO₂.

Daniel Anthony Ciraula – DKK 1,500,000

Geothermal energy production in Iceland emits significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, which can be captured and reinjected into the subsurface to help meet air quality standards. Laboratory and geochemical models find that upon reinjection into the basaltic subsurface, the H2S-rich geothermal water mineralizes pyrite. While these studies suggest effective H2S mineralization, further research is necessary to better constrain the field-scale processes controlling mineralization and to identify potential adverse environmental impacts associated with long-term H2S reinjection. Existing monitoring approaches, including borehole fluid sampling and wireline logging, are invasive and provide limited spatial resolution. Moreover, fluid sampling only offers an indirect measure of H2S mineralization. This interdisciplinary study aims to explore the novel application of the ground-based, time-lapse induced polarization (IP) geophysical method alongside reactive transport modeling to improve the monitoring and understanding of the H2S mineralization in the Nesjavellir storage reservoir. The IP method is sensitive to the volumetric content of pyrite, providing direct information on H2S mineralization over large spatial extents. Reactive transport models can validate the resolution and interpretations of the IP measurements. Thus, integrating ground-based IP surveying with reactive transport modeling demonstrates potential as a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to enhance the monitoring of H2S mineral storage.

Birtuorka ehf. – ISK 5,000,000

The objective of the project is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential for power generation with solar panels on structures owned by the City of Reykjavík. It maps out which building characteristics support the best efficiency of solar panels, including the position of the roof in relation to the sun, wind load on the roof, the roof's load-bearing capacity, and whether conditions meet fire safety design requirements. By thoroughly investigating a sample of properties owned by the city, it is possible to estimate the feasibility of installing solar panels and decide whether it is viable to proceed with the installation of solar power systems by determining the estimated cost per kWh produced by solar panels.

Until now, solar energy has not been utilized to any significant extent in this country. Therefore, it can be said that this is a great novelty for us here in Iceland, even though similar solutions are well-known abroad, where there have been major technological advances and increased cost-effectiveness in recent years. The project supports increased energy production as well as value-adding solutions for existing properties.

Sigurbjörn Már Aðalsteinsson – 2,020,000

The aim of the project is to explore the feasibility of a new method for purifying biomethane that is suitable for small-scale biogas plants. In conjunction with the 2021 ban on landfilling organic waste, as part of Iceland's climate commitments, interest in biomethane production has increased, cf. SORPA's gas and composting station and plans for a biogas plant at Dysnes. However, the ban has created challenges for small and rural municipalities where the transport of organic waste is costly and centralized solutions are not feasible. The applicant has previously identified the potential for local, small-scale biomethane production in rural areas and designed an anaerobic digestion system for a small-scale biogas plant, which converts organic waste into biogas. The results indicate that local production is viable, but the main challenge is the lack of cost-effective purification systems to extract biomethane from the biogas. Water scrubbing is the most common method for purifying biomethane, but it is only considered economical for larger biogas plants due to significant economies of scale. The applicant has developed an idea for a new design of water scrubbing equipment that utilizes water pressure instead of a very expensive gas compressor to achieve the same effect. This approach also allows us to omit the 10–12 m high scrubbing tower and reduce the size of the equipment. The project aims to analyze the theoretical and technical feasibility of the method, design a prototype, and lay the groundwork for its construction.

Daniel Andres Duque – SEK 500,000

Among carbon capture storage (CCS) techniques, the Carbfix methodology has proven effective, safe, and cost-competitive by dissolving CO2 in water to form carbonated water, which is then injected into basaltic formations to initiate mineralization and permanent storage. Although this methodology has proven to be effective there are some key aspects in the process that have not been extensively studied such as the potential mobility of trace metals during the dissolution of basaltic rocks, particularly when seawater is used as the dissolution medium. This study aims to investigate the behaviour of trace metals during basalt dissolution in fresh and seawater environments, addressing a critical knowledge gap in CCS risk assessment.

Using different analytical techniques, including Petrography, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis, this research examines metal mobilization and mineralization processes in experimental conditions. The findings will provide valuable insights into the environmental safety of CCS operations and the feasibility of using seawater as a sustainable alternative to freshwater for CO2 dissolution.

University of Iceland – ISK 5,000,000

The green transition causes major changes in how land is used, often leading to conflicts driven by social and environmental concerns. This stresses the need for land use policies based on just and holistic approaches. This project explores how land use changes driven by the green energy transition can be made more equitable, with a focus on wind energy development in Iceland. As large-scale wind farming initiatives expand, the project addresses challenges related to social and environmental conflicts by developing tools and frameworks that promote fair decision-making. Guided by principles of distributive, procedural, and recognition justice, the project aims to balance competing values and ensure that all stakeholders’ voices are heard. The project is organized into three main components: developing a justice framework for wind energy use, analysing planning processes to identify gaps and conflicts, and refining conflict resolution tools through stakeholder engagement. It employs qualitative and participatory methods such as workshops, interviews, and literature reviews, integrating insights from Iceland and broader Nordic contexts. The project’s findings will support fairer energy planning, improve public trust, and provide actionable policy recommendations, helping to shape an equitable and sustainable energy future in Iceland and beyond.

Najmeh – SEK 1,000,000

This project develops a prototype model for real-time Peer-to-Peer energy management in apartment buildings in Iceland. It integrates solar panels, battery storage, grid connections, and energy exchanges among neighbors. Deep learning models are used to forecast solar energy production and demand, enabling efficient energy management. A convex optimization framework is employed to prioritize solar energy usage, optimize battery utilization, and facilitate real-time energy trading. The model’s simulation aims to minimize energy costs, enhance social welfare, and promote a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Ximena Guardia Muguruza – 3,000,000 kr.

Geothermal wells can decline over time, which decreases their power production and eventually makes them unusable for power generation due to pressure drop below the power plant’s operating pressure. This challenge can be mitigated with an ejector, where fluid from a low-pressure well can be drawn up with a high-pressure well. This solution has been tested by the project Geoejector project, led by Reykjavik University, both on a laboratory scale and field scale at Þeistareykir. While these tests have validated the concept, more research needs to be done to understand the ejector’s behavior thoroughly before it is used in full-scale applications in other geothermal areas. The next phase of the Geoejector project involves testing supersonic ejectors using two-phase flow (water and steam) in the energy laboratory of Reykjavik University and designing and testing a supersonic ejector for a pilot station at Hellisheiði power plant for two-phase flow as well as continuing testing at Þeistareykir. The laboratory experiments and field test results will be used to validate analytical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. The results from the project might enable geothermal plant operators to use otherwise deemed idle wells, thereby reducing the cost of drilling make-up wells.

Reykjavik University – ISK 5,000,000

The project involves measuring steam and water flow, where the output (mass flow and enthalpy) of geothermal fluid will be measured in real time. Additionally, these methods can be utilized in another project related to the use of boreholes with different pressures (the Geoejector project). The Geoejector project has been ongoing for the past 3 years and has demonstrated the potential to connect low-pressure boreholes to a higher-pressure supply, which can lead to increased efficiency in energy production. In this project, we are researching a method to measure the output of geothermal fluid in real time. In this research, measurements are set up to simulate borehole flow, and methods such as artificial intelligence are used to process the results. The goal is to transfer this method to operational borehole measurements. Such a method would result in increased efficiency, both in other research projects and in the general operation of geothermal power plants.

Erlingur Guðleifsson – ISK 3,000,000

The project revolves around increasing the understanding of the value of energy-related knowledge that has been generated in an isolated community, i.e., through the development and utilization of geothermal energy in Iceland. The research will seek to analyze and understand the role of ISOR (then part of Orkustofnun - the National Energy Authority) in innovation, where the utilization of geothermal energy in Iceland as a key energy resource has contributed to increased prosperity. It will also seek to analyze the value and returns of the operations of the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme (now GTP) in knowledge dissemination in the field of geothermal energy in developing countries, and the value of innovation and the export of geothermal knowledge from Iceland. The project will lead to an increased understanding of how an isolated community has built up specialized knowledge in the field of energy resources and how that knowledge could be useful to other communities where specialized knowledge in the field of energy production has been developed.

Anna Kristín Einarsdóttir – ISK 3,000,000

This is the 3rd and final year application of a three-year PhD project, for which OR provided a grant for 5 million for the two years (2022-2024). This three-year project investigates the concept of an energy sufficient lifestyle, where essential energy use related to well-being is emphasized and excessive energy consumption is minimized. The project's first year yielded a published systematic literature review concerning energy footprinting and well-being. The project’s second year led to another published work calculating Icelandic energy footprints. Towards the end of the second year, these footprints were connected to self-reported well-being to understand what energy sufficient lifestyles could look like in Iceland. A research paper with the results of this work is ~75% completed and likely to be published in the first quarter of 2025. In the final year of this work, our goal is now to work with stakeholders to understand potential energy policies could aid in improving energy sufficient lifestyles in Iceland. The project aligns with OR’s prioritized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 12 (sustainable consumption and production), SDG 7 (access to clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action), where more energy sufficient lifestyles could help reduce energy capacity needs.

Maren Peterson – DKK 800,000

As the world transitions to renewable energy generation, the rise of energy-independent end users presents a growing challenge. While systems like net metering offer benefits such as grid independence and renewable generation, they also carry certain drawbacks. As more individuals rely on their own energy generation, it raises important questions about how this trend will affect the operation and stability of utility companies.

This project explores these challenges within the unique context of subarctic grids, specifically Alaska's Railbelt region and Iceland. Both regions share distinct similarities within their energy landscapes, including isolated grids and the need for resilience in response to their harsh climates. The parallels between the two regions set up a promising framework for analyzing the impact of energy-independent users and net metering policies.

The key questions focus on which policies are needed to ensure energy security under a high prevalence of energy-independent users, and how utilities operate effectively under these conditions. It also aims to identify the utilities’ economic tipping points for net metering adoption in subarctic regions. This research will provide insights into the protective measures that can be implemented through effective policymaking to support both utilities and users.

Concept Developers (RATA ehf.) – ISK 1,700,000

Hugmyndasmiðir is an educational project and a launchpad for the entrepreneurs of the future. The goal is to give children the skills, tools, and belief in their own ability to change the world through innovation. Over the past year, Hugmyndasmiðir and Elliðaárstöð have collaborated on the pilot project “Elliðaárstöð becomes an idea station,” which focuses on educating children and young people about innovation and fostering creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills. The collaboration creates a platform and events for children to practice their skills in solving the complex problems of the future, with an emphasis on environmental awareness and innovation.

The project applied for in VOR, “Elliðaárstöð will become Idea Hub 2.0,” involves the further development of the collaboration between Hugmyndasmiðir and Elliðaárstöð with the aim of further increasing access for children and young people to education and a platform for innovation in Elliðaárdalur. This includes, among other things, the further implementation and marketing of the Hugmyndasmiðir Workshop, an innovation course, the summer course Meistarabúðir, as well as the development of ideas for innovation education and tools.

Hrund Andradóttir – ISK 4,800,000

Blue-green stormwater solutions (BGS) are vegetated swales, channels, and green roofs that receive runoff from roofs and streets during rainfall. BGS are both mitigation and adaptation measures against climate change as they reduce flood risk, sequester carbon and pollutants in soil and plants, as well as increase the aesthetic and ecological value of the urban environment. Research on BGS has mainly focused on hydrology, but little emphasis has been placed on systematically measuring the carbon sequestration of BGS. Cities are a major source of carbon emissions, and it is therefore important to apply mitigation measures where the pollution occurs. The aim of the project is to assess the long-term carbon sequestration of blue-green stormwater solutions in Reykjavík and the sensitivity of sequestration to soil and plant selection. Carbon fluxes will be measured weekly in newly constructed rain gardens, along with an older green roof and a regular lawn within 10 meters of the University of Iceland's teaching facilities. It will be examined whether there is a significant difference between areas with different plants and soil. The relationship between carbon sequestration and weather and soil conditions will then be investigated. The results will be interpreted in an international context and compared with measurements in rural areas in Iceland. The results will provide indications of carbon sequestration opportunities in the built environment in Iceland, and insight into the desirable design of BGS to maximize societal benefits.

Hringvarmi ehf. – ISK 5,000,000

Hringvarmi is an Icelandic agri-tech startup developing a novel innovation to transform data into dinner. Data centres, a rapidly growing sector, have substantial energy needs, producing waste heat that is released into the environment. Hringvarmi addresses this issue by capturing this waste heat and channelling it into plug-and-play vertical farming modules, creating controlled environments between 15-30°C. Iceland currently imports 80% of its fresh fruits and vegetables due to a lack of controlled warm spaces for food production, driving-up the country’s carbon footprint. The project went from theory to initial prototype development in 2023-2024, and has now received funding to take the prototype to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) between 2025-2027 in collaboration with atNorth ehf. And Rækta Microfarms ehf. In order to ensure the true sustainability of Hringvarmi´s solution, it is essential to secure a resource and energy efficient supply chain for materials and transport, minimising the carbon footprint of Hringvarmi’s module construction. The aim is to implement a circular system through the articulation and optimisation of material flow and supply chains, maximising the economic and environmental sustainability of Hringvarmi for the Icelandic circular economy.

Gerosion – ISK 5,000,000

In recent years, there has been increased interest in geothermal energy as a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based energy. The extraction of geothermal energy requires the drilling of wells through which geothermal steam is retrieved to produce electricity and hot water for district heating. But geothermal steam contains corrosive species such as H2S, CO2, and Cl- ions. Materials in high temperature geothermal wells that are subjected to the steam can experience corrosion resulting in high costs associated with maintenance, materials and loss in production. This problem becomes more severe when deeper and hotter wells are considered, such as the IDDP3 and the KMT projects. Current solutions in the market are not equipped to withstand the harsh geothermal environment, due to the high temperature and the corrosiveness of the geothermal steam. The goal of the project is to develop a protective casing (ProCase) that protects steel casings in geothermal wells against corrosion and thermal expansion effects, so the structural integrity of the wells is not diminished. With ProCase the lifespan of wells can be increased, saving Icelandic and international power companies an extensive amount of repair cost and the cost of drilling new wells.

Adam Erik Bauer – SEK 3,000,000

The project aims to develop and validate a reliable analysis method for illicit drugs, addictive medicines, and new psychoactive substances in wastewater, biological samples, and material samples. Opioid addiction has increased in Iceland in recent years, looking at admissions to addiction treatment and the increase in drug poisonings involving opioids. New psychoactive substances (often abbreviated as NPS) have also entered circulation in Iceland. These are substances specifically developed to mimic the effects of traditional drugs, such as amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, LSD, and sedatives and painkillers, but are chemically different from them. The goal of developing such substances is often to circumvent laws, as these substances are not yet defined as illegal in the legislation of many countries.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry will be used for the chemical analysis of the samples. The method allows researchers to blindly screen for over 2,000 narcotics, whereas previous technology was limited to screening for predefined substances. The main objective is to implement a screening method that allows for rapid and accurate monitoring of the evolution of drug use and to assess its prevalence in Icelandic society. Special emphasis is placed on analysing trends in the consumption patterns of opioids and newly synthesised drugs. The project is linked to the Ministry of Health's monitoring group for data coordination and early warnings of drug epidemics.

Daníel Pétursson – ISK 460,000

The project is a collaboration with Carbfix on behalf of Stockholm University. Carbfix is currently working on the Coda Terminal project in Straumsvík, where the plan is to permanently sequester CO₂ in rock. Research boreholes have been drilled, and extensive work has been done on water chemistry and modeling of chemical reactions. However, research on the rock itself has been limited. The project's objective is to assess the properties of the bedrock for carbon sequestration using petrological and geochemical methods.

The project's objectives will be achieved by analyzing rock samples from lava flows in the area and drill cuttings from a borehole (CSM-01) using XRF, and by preparing thin sections. Preliminary results show that the rock is largely unaltered, with a high proportion of olivine and pyroxene, vesicular, fine-grained to glassy, and exhibits good sequestration potential. Alteration increases with depth in the lava pile, characterized by clay minerals and zeolites, but with limited amounts of carbonates.

The research provides new insights into mineralogy and geochemistry to assess the carbon sequestration capacity of the rock in Straumsvík. The results will be used to evaluate which geological layers are best suited for CO₂ sequestration to maximize the area's binding capacity. This is an important step towards ensuring successful carbon sequestration in the Coda Terminal project.

Reykjavik University – ISK 5,000,000

JARÐLJÓS aims to use seismic waves measured on fiber optic cables to assess the extent of geothermal systems. Increased demand for geothermal energy as a power source for both district heating and electricity production calls for new methods to search for "hidden geothermal systems" or geothermal systems that show no signs on the surface. In recent years, several projects have studied the geology of the Hengill area using seismic waves, such as DEEPEN, COSEISMIQ, Carbfix2, S4CE, and SUCCEED. The results indicate that measurements of the ratio of P- and S-wave velocities provide clues about the extent of geothermal systems. However, the resolution of these measurements is still somewhat lacking for them to be optimally useful for decision-making.

The project investigates whether the ratio of P- and S-wave velocities in the Earth's crust can be more accurately estimated using fiber-optic cable measurements. The method utilizes telecommunication companies' fiber-optic cables as a dense array of seismometers and can provide much higher resolution than traditional seismic measurements. However, the fiber-optic cable is most sensitive to waves moving parallel to it and therefore often poorly detects P-waves. Here, measurements of P- and S-waves using data from Mosfellsheiði and Nesjavellir will be used to map the ratio of P- and S-wave velocities in the crust. The measurements will be made using the PhaseNet DAS method, which utilizes artificial intelligence to efficiently measure the arrival times of seismic waves on the fiber-optic cable.

Gerosion – ISK 5,000,000

In recent years, there has been increased interest in drilling deeper geothermal wells to generate more energy, which leads to higher temperatures, pressure, and more corrosive environments. The consequences are increased corrosion risk and stress on wellheads, steel, and concrete casings, which are the well's load-bearing systems. This can cause damage and well closures. The research work is divided into a materials science study of steel and wellbore cement mixtures on the one hand, and a model analysis of the stress on wellheads and casings of deep wells on the other. A model of deep wells using the FEM element method will be designed in the ANSYS program for deep wells that have been drilled in Iceland (IDDP1 and IDDP2). The model will then be used to analyze the stress distribution in deep wellheads due to high pressure and temperature. The materials science part involves material selection and improvements to the wellbore cement mixtures that have been used in wells in Iceland, as well as the development of corrosion- and heat-resistant mixtures, and an iterative process will be used to optimize the mixtures. Subsequently, the FEM model and the material studies will be utilized in the technical planning of the KMT and IDDP3 projects.

Nína Lea Z. Jónsdóttir – ISK 1,000,000

The security of electricity supply in the Westfjords has long been among the poorest in the country, yet the development of the power grid there has been slow. This project examines whether it is possible to utilize the existing infrastructure more efficiently to increase the security of electricity supply in the Westfjords. By designing a smart grid control system that responds quickly and automatically to disturbances, a detailed disturbance analysis will be conducted in the Westfjords on the faults that cause power outages. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Landsnet, which provides equipment and facilities for the project. The project will deliver a proposal for a smart grid control system that could be implemented in the Westfjords. The project will also explore the possibility of combining a smart grid solution with a new investment, such as a reactor or an SVC, with the aim of preventing the start-up of the diesel backup generator in Bolungarvík. The goal is thus to reduce both the minutes of power outages in the Westfjords and the pollution resulting from the use of diesel fuel.

Salmonids – SEK 2,250,000

Jóhannes Sturlaugsson, a biologist at the research company Laxfiskar, has been responsible for the research monitoring of fish stocks and water temperature in the Elliðaár river system annually since 2011, in collaboration with OR and SVFR. The annual monitoring of the Elliðaár rivers has yielded unique and extensive information, including data on the runs of salmon and sea trout, which has been collected annually through trap fishing and a video fish counter in the Elliðaár rivers. This is a grant application to process the data from 2011-2025 in order to obtain a detailed overall picture of the salmon and sea trout runs in the Elliðaár rivers. This involves analyzing the runs and migration behavior based on the annual composition of salmon and sea trout runs, considering the size and life stage of the fish. Furthermore, the relationship between migration timing and behavior and environmental factors will be parameterized through statistical analyses. This approach to the project provides an opportunity to clarify how the runs of salmon and sea trout are controlled by both the characteristics of the fish (size; life stage) and environmental factors (tides; water temperature; flow; weather factors: light levels/sun position). Jóhannes Sturlaugsson and Snæbjörn Pálsson, a professor of population biology at the University of Iceland, will conduct the research. The results of the project will be published in a peer-reviewed, open-access article. In addition, emphasis will be placed on disseminating the findings to the public as widely as possible. The research is an important step in ensuring the future sustainability of salmon and sea trout in the Elliðaár river system.

Angel Ruiz-Angulo – SEK 1,700,000

Þingvellir National Park is considered a natural reserve and a natural wonder of the world. It is the second largest lake in Iceland with almost 90% of the water sources being groundwater. The groundwater has two main characteristics: to the North it is rather cold, and to the southwest it is relatively warm due to the proximity to the Nesjavellir geothermal area. This particular region may add anthropogenic inputs due to the Power Plant activities. This project aims to implement a numerical model (MITgcm) to study the general circulation of the lake and the resulting transport or distribution of passive tracers that could represent potential sources of contamination within the lake. The expected outcome is summarized in maps. The resulting dispersion maps will identify regions with the highest probability of tracer accumulation, i.e, hot spots, providing valuable information to environmental management authorities and corresponding personnel.

GrænVetni – 5,000,000 ISK

The project involves fully developing a factory process that treats hydrogen sulfide and converts it from an atmospheric emission into fuel in the form of hydrogen and sulfur as an industrial/construction product. Preliminary research over many years has shown that producing green hydrogen in this way is viable and that sulfur concrete is an ideal construction material that can be used in various ways in the construction industry. Paving stones, garden units, and precast units for the construction industry would be particularly cost-effective considering the negligible carbon emissions in the process. It can also partially replace traditional Portland cement, which has a high carbon footprint and is imported into the country in enormous quantities annually. Value creation occurs through the further processing of harmful toxic gas (H2S and SO2) into environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel and environmentally friendly sulfur concrete, instead of pumping it into the atmosphere or underground. The project could thus help the Icelandic government meet its goals and commitments regarding greenhouse gas emissions, as H2S and SO2 are significant gases in Iceland's emissions inventory.