Romania-Iceland Collaboration on Geothermal Energy - Highlights from working visit in Reykjavik
© Ester Halldórsdóttir, GEORGTheir project partners are the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) from Romania and the Geothermal Research Cluster (GEORG) GEOTHERMICA Initiative in Iceland. The goal of the project is to foster bilateral collaboration between Iceland and Romania for using geothermal energy as a renewable source and reducing CO2 emissions.
The workshop and visits in Iceland brought together officials, experts, and specialists from both countries to find practical solutions to national energy and global climate issues. Participants gained direct access to Iceland's expertise, one of the leading nations in geothermal energy. Key topics included legislation, exploration techniques, resource mapping, the cascading use of geothermal energy (for household heating, electricity generation, thermal water, agriculture), and investments in geothermal energy. These matters are particularly relevant for Romania, which has substantial potential for geothermal energy exploitation.
Iceland as leaders in geothermal
Iceland, with its active volcanic grounds, is one of the most advanced countries when it comes to research and development of geothermal energy. Over 90% of their energy comes from renewable sources such as hydropower and geothermal. Its national energy authority, Orkustofnun, oversees the exploration, exploitation and management of the Icelandic energy sector, hereunder also geothermal. As the regulatory entity it oversees the regulatory and legal framework as well as sustainable extraction of geothermal energy. It also runs the GEOTHERMICA Initiative, aimed at expediting the development and implementation of geothermal energy across Europe. By building on the unique expertise Iceland has developed, this initiative aims create collaboration and a dynamic relationship between the two countries to further elevate knowledge, technology and resources.
Romania’s opportunities
This study visit has served as a meeting point for Romanian and Icelandic experts, to learn how to fully exploit Romania’s potential while also strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.Furthermore, the project wishes to develop legislative proposals to develop and support regulations within the sector.The University of Babes-Bolyai, aims through their participation to apply theknowledge gainedandtrain students specialized within the field of geothermal energy to expand the capacity in Romania. As Romania’s full capacity is not yet fully explored, industry collaborators and specialists plan to undertakeexpansive geological research to update Romania’s geothermal map, as to better sketch out efficient exploitation of the geothermal resources. Using innovative approaches, geothermal energy is aimed at being used in district heating, agriculture and fish farming, allowing for more sustainable production.
Bilateral cooperation
The bilateral aspect of this initiative not only fosters a direct transfer of technology and expertise from Iceland to Romania but also opens avenues for both countries to jointly innovate and explore new applications of geothermal energy.
The first objectiveis the Geothermal knowledge, training, and capacity-buildingsharedby Iceland.The goal is to provide practical insights and firsthand experience on the efficient use and management of geothermal resources.
Secondly, the project aims at promoting Research, Innovation, and Technological Advancement. This entails crafting and advancing transnational initiatives to accelerate geothermal development in Romania and explore possibilities for support through international funding programs.
Finally, the Project partners aim at building a Long-term Strategic Cooperation by establishing a framework for ongoing strategic cooperation between Iceland and Romania to address common challenges in the energy sector, including climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.
Marian Bordeianu from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania, one of the participants to the visit, notes that “participation in these events has created valuable opportunities of initiating joint projects between Romania and Iceland (…). By collaborating with Icelandic experts, we can access innovative solutions and best practices that allow us to exploit Romania’s geothermal resources to the fullest.”
The Partner representative, Mrs. Domnica Coteț from UEFISCDI, says that this visit has created “valuable opportunities for the initiation of joint projects between Romania and Iceland, supporting research, sustainable development and efficient use of geothermal energy.”
The recent visit to Iceland provided valuable insights into advancements in geothermal energy. (...) Discussions on district heating, risk mitigation, and geothermal applications in district heating, agriculture and tourism were particularly insightful. The visit to Carbfix, an innovative carbon sequestration solution, showcased its potential in mitigating climate change. This visit, under the Energy Programme in Romania, has reinforced the belief in geothermal energy's potential.
Written by:
Mia Kristine Martinussen, Trainee, Innovation Norway Bucuresti Office
Ana-Maria Axenia, Adviser, Innovation Norway Bucuresti Office