Reykjavik Energy leads the development of supercritical geothermal utilization
Hera Grímsdóttir presented the vision for IDDP-3 at the Superhot Summit in Harpa
At the conference Superhot Summit, held at Harpa in connection with the Arctic Circle Assembly, presented Hera Grimsdottir, Managing Director of Research and Innovation at Orkuveita Reykjavíkur, the company's vision for the development of the next generation of geothermal utilization – what we have called deep utilization.
The event was held at the initiative of Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate, in cooperation with the Icelandic energy sector. Among other things, a joint declaration of cooperation was signed on The IDDP-3 Deep Drilling Project between the ministry and the energy companies Landsvirkjun, Orkuveitan and HS Orka And we at Orkuveitan are now leading the project.
The purpose of the declaration of intent is to accelerate the development of the next generation of geothermal systems as part of Iceland's long-term energy policy.
“We are going to drill deeper, access more energy, and create new opportunities for a sustainable future”
In her speech, Hera said, among other things, that Orkuveitan and its subsidiary The Power of Nature have begun preparations for the IDDP-3 drilling at Nesjavöllum, which is scheduled to begin in 2026, in the vicinity of the borehole NJ-11 which was drilled in 1985. With the latest technology and extensive collaboration with domestic and foreign scientists, the goal will be to harness energy at up to 400°C heat at a depth of 4–5 km.
“Drilling deeper than we have before is the next step in the evolution of energy production. By harnessing energy from deeper and hotter layers of the earth, we can multiply the output of individual wells, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact,” said Hera in her presentation.
“This is not just about technological advances, but about the future of sustainable energy – both for Iceland and the entire world.”
Hera emphasized that the project should be-the project should-the project should unite Research, innovation and high-tech solutions ...the fields of engineering, geoscience, and artificial intelligence. By testing new drill designs, fluid systems, and analysis technology under real-world conditions, an important step will be taken towards the full utilization of supercritical geothermal systems.
Backed by strong political and scientific will
In their speech at the event, they said Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson the minister that Iceland had a unique opportunity to become a leading force in the development of supercritical geothermal energy utilization:
“If we can harness areas where the temperature exceeds 400°C, we can redefine the economics of clean, safe energy,” said the minister.
“Supercritical heat can create a foundation for new industries, innovation, and value creation.”
He also announced that work has begun on Iceland's first geothermal road guide, valid until 2050, and which sets out a policy and objectives for geothermal development, research, innovation, and sustainability.
The next chapter in the history of Icelandic energy production has already been written
For over a century, the utility company has been a pioneer in geothermal energy utilization and was a trailblazer in building the world's first large-scale district heating system for the capital area. Now, the company is taking the next big step – to explore Superhot geothermal system.
“We build on decades of experience, a strong scientific community, and collaboration with innovative companies,” said Hera. “In this way, we are not only shaping the future of energy utilization in Iceland – but also offering the world a solution to one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
Here you can read more about Orkuveitan's deep utilization project.