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IMPROVE-EPOS-KMT workshop on science-industry cooperation

On November 21, 2024, the Dublin Institute for Advanced industry, and the tools and methodologies needed to
Studies hosted a joint workshop on magmatic geothermal advance geothermal research and development.
systems in Dublin, Ireland, in collaboration with EPOS
(European Plate Observing System, www.epos-eu.org), This workshop facilitated crucial dialogue between
and KMT (Krafla Magma Testbed, https://kmt.is). The industry professionals, researchers, and infrastructure
workshop brought together 33 participants, including experts in the field of magmatic geothermal systems. By
experts from industry, academia, and IMPROVE Early bringing together diverse perspectives, the event aimed to
Stage Researchers (ESRs), to discuss challenges and accelerate innovation and address key challenges in
innovations in the emerging field of geothermal energy. In harnessing geothermal energy from magmatic sources.
particular, the workshop focused on addressing the needs
of the geothermal energy industry working with high- The inclusion of both established experts and Early Stage
temperature and superhot geothermal systems, fostering Researchers (ESRs) highlighted the importance of
collaboration and knowledge exchange between science bridging industry needs with emerging research and of
and industry. cultivating new talent in the field.

The workshop featured presentations from the three The success of the workshop prompted the organizers to
involved major initiatives KMT, EPOS, and IMPROVE. consider convening a second event, which will likely be
Keynote speakers included Bjarni Pálsson (Landsvirkjun, organized within the framework of the EPOS–KMT
and President of the International Geothermal Association) collaboration. IMPROVE ESRs and other IMPROVE
on superhot geothermal energy opportunities, Yan Lavallée personnel will receive specific invitations.
(Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) on academic
research driving industry solutions, and Helen Doran
(Project Inner Space), who provided a global perspective on Owen McCluskey
geothermal energy prospecting. The IMPROVE-EPOS-KMT workshop provided us ESRs with a great
opportunity to not only promote our research projects to a specialist
A panel discussion, chaired by Anne Obermann (ETH audience but also to gain new perspectives on the current status of
Zurich), explored industry challenges and innovations in exciting, collaborative projects in the geoscience field. As with all
IMPROVE events, the workshop encouraged stimulating scientific
magmatic geothermal systems, with contributions from
discussion, starting from presentations from world-leading
experts representing KMT, ENEL (Enel Green Power), geoscientists who covered a range of different aspects of
Orkuveitan, and RML. Additionally, IMPROVE ESRs geothermal research. My colleagues and I always enjoy networking
presented brief elevator pitches and participated in a poster with new people and this workshop allowed us to converse with
established researchers and draw upon their experiences and gain
session, showcasing their ongoing research in the field.
expert recommendations. As a group, we were also able to explore
and discuss potential avenues into careers within the industry. This
The breakout sessions focused on the future of proved to be an extremely worthwhile exercise as many of us begin
geothermal energy, collaboration between academia and to map out our futures after the completion of the project.