Study Visit to Iceland, 25th-29th september 2023 r. (2nd round)
- October 21, 2023
Study Visit to Iceland in the project “Capacity building of key stakeholders in the area of geothermal energy”, September 25th – 29th, 2023
On September 25-29, 2023, a study visit to Iceland took place as part of the EEA FM KeyGeothermal project. The main goal of the Study Visit to Iceland in September 2023 was to learn about good practices in the field of geothermal district heating and other geothermal applications, the role of the state, modern management, economics and energy in this country. The visit was preceded by training activities in Poland organized on April 25-27, 2023 (similar activities took place in 2022). The study visit was prepared by the team of the National Energy Agency of Iceland in cooperation with Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute.
Participants
27 participants from Poland took part in the Study Visit to Iceland. They represented local governments and district heating companies and beneficiaries of government programmes supporting geothermal use in Poland; power companies interested in adding geothermal district heating and other geothermal applications to their portfolio; state geological bodies, scientific institutions, branch media, the Ministry of Climate and Environment and National Fund for Environment Protection and Water Management. Participants were accompanied by MEERI PAS members.
It is worth emphasizing that thanks to the Project and funds from the EEA FM, a total of 51 people (!) took part in Study Visits to Iceland regarding geothermal heating, because to the group from 2023 we need to add 24 people who participated in such a Visit in 2022. This is, so far, the largest group from Poland, participated in a study visit both to Iceland and in general in a foreign visit, the subject of which was related to geothermal energy. The study visit contributed to the exchange of experiences and learning about Icelandic practices of using geothermal energy in district heating, as well as other selected applications.
Workshops, speeches
Study Visit in Iceland in 2023 began on September 26th, with a Workshop focusing on optimal use of geothermal energy for district heating, with almost 80 participants. Halla Hrund Logadóttir, Director General of the National Energy Authority of Iceland opened the Workshop and underlined the importance of cooperation between Iceland and Poland, within the EEA Agreements in a project like this when countries are dealing with great energy and climate challenges. She hoped to see more and bigger further similar projects in the next program period of the EEA Grant.
Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate of Iceland, addressed the Workshop and highlighted the importance of such projects towards increasing energy security and mitigating Climate Change and the importance and opportunities for more bilateral projects and cooperation between Poland and Iceland. He highlighted thanks for the Workshop to all participants of the projects within the Mineral and Energy Economic Research Institute, the Polish Academy of Science and NEA in Iceland, as well as to the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the National Fund in Poland for constructive cooperation in this field in past years.
Sigríður Eysteinsdóttir, Counsellor at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that they were very pleased to see projects, like your study visit, come to fruition through the Grants. “It is positive that we can share our expertise in the field of geothermal energy and learn from each other’s experiences”. She mentioned also that It’s worth noting that negotiations for the next period of the Grants are ongoing, and we are doing our best to advance them. “Hopefully, we will soon gain clarity regarding the extent of our collaboration potential within the framework of the Grants in the future”.
Gerard Pokruszyński, the Polish Ambassador to Iceland, delivered a special address highlighting the unprecedented global circumstances triggered by the Russian Federation’s military attack on Ukraine and the resulting multiple crises, including the energy crisis. He stated, “We warned our neighbours that the supposedly cheap energy sources, especially gas – under the Nord Strem 1 and Nord Stream 2 projects were another form of Russia’s warfare. They did not listen, and today not only are they paying a high price, but they are also surprised by this situation. Poland was not surprised. Exactly one year ago, we opened the Baltic Pipe”, he said. “We must be prepared for the worst, and Poland is prepared. But we go further. This includes cooperation with Iceland. Iceland, with its unique sources of geothermal energy, can help support Europe,hopefully in collaboration with Poland. I wish Poland and Iceland a successful partnership in geothermal energy. There was a time when Polish coal heated the homes of Icelanders. Today, we are counting on joint investments using geothermal energy sources and the joint production of ‘green’ and sustainable energy”.
In presentations from Agata Gładzka, Marcin Szyndler and Tomasz Mieczkowski from the Ministry of Climate and Environment in Poland they presented the Energy Policy and Geothermal Road Map in Poland. The Ministry of Climate and Environment is implementing a project for the development of geothermal energy in Poland – a strategic project: The Long-term Program for the Use of Geothermal. Total estimated co-financing costs for point 1-8 is approx. PLN 12,735.5 million. These tasks are financed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, National Center for Research and Development, BOŚ Bank, State Treasury, National Reconstruction Plan, sources of the new financial perspective, e.g. European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021-2027 (FEnIKS), modernization fund. The cost of development of geothermal energy (in general sense) may reach the overall amount of 49,327.1 PLN million by 2050, including private capital and co-financing
The National fund in Poland was presented by Krystian Przybylski from the Energy Transformation Department and Natalia Roguska coordinator of the program for co-financing “Polska Geotermia Plus”
Energy Transformation Department. The priority program Providing access to thermal waters in Poland is dedicated exclusively to supporting the drilling of the first exploratory well, aimed at effective access to thermal waters in Poland. It is an important measure to support local governments in undertaking geothermal investments and is of key importance for mitigating the risk associated with making the first exploratory well on an undocumented thermal water deposit, as we finance the well 100%.
Other program offers of the National Fund, including the priority program “Polska Geotermia Plus” or EU funds already support the investment stage related to the construction of heating plants and heat distribution and make geothermal an important element of the transformation of the heating sector, which aims not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, competitiveness and energy efficiency of the economy, but also to improve the living conditions of citizens. Construction of heat sources using geothermal energy (deep geothermal energy) is also supported by the Program “Environment, Energy and Climate Change” of the EEA FM 2014-2021.
Maria Guðmundsdóttir, Geothermal Expert, National energy Authority underlined fast energy transition in house heating from oil to geothermal in Iceland during 1970-1980, where heating houses, presented the key elements of geothermal district heating of their companies and cities and municipalities, explaining the development as well as future policy and tasks.
Beata Kępińska, Project leader, MEERI PAS, and Baldur Pétursson, Project coordinator, NEA team, highlighted engineering, economic and environmental benefits of the project, more energy security and mitigation of Climate Change. They also underlined the importance of more networks and cooperation between Poland and Iceland regarding this subject. Baldur stated that the project of the EEA Development Fund in the field of energy, environment, and climate in Poland, in which Iceland is participating, among other things, will bring benefits in the field of climate that will amount to approximately 600 thousand tons less carbon dioxide emissions every single year.
There were several presentations from companies, institutions, cities, and municipalities from Poland, with the focus on the main challenges as well as priorities, tasks, and projects towards construction of district heating in relevant locations. There were also several presentations from Icelandic companies, institutions, and academia, with emphasise on main activities and expertise in geothermal district heating, as well as in related innovation spin offs, renewable energy, and energy transition
The Workshop’s agenda included an overview of the state of geothermal use in Iceland and Poland, with a particular focus on both countries’ geothermal district heating solutions, policies, and strategies. The speakers indicated the need to maximise the use of local energy resources, e.g., geothermal energy. They emphasised the role of international cooperation in this area, including cooperation between Iceland and Poland.
Report from the KeyGeothermal project workshops
The session, during which participants could establish direct contacts and conduct individual conversations, was also very well attended. Representatives of over thirty entities from both countries took part in it. Among them were people from Polish and Icelandic institutions interested in cooperation and establishing direct contacts with companies dealing with district heating and other geothermal applications.
The participants learned about the management, practical use, and billing of energy consumption by end users. Different methods were presented of geothermal water, steam, and energy use in cogeneration plants in Hellisheiði and Svartsengi, south of Iceland, including several innovative methods and projects implemented in geothermal resource parks
The second and third day (September 27th and 28th) of the busy stay in Iceland covered visits to selected geothermal facilities, including heating plants in Reykjavík and several localities in the south of Iceland which operate based on geothermal waters with parameters like those observed in many Polish places. Moreover, they learned about successful research and works, e.g., on carbon dioxide reinjection and storage in rock mass (stored permanently in a solid form) carried out for several years now and about alternative fuel production. Many of these applications and energy cluster experiences can be implemented in Poland. Participants learned about management methods, exploitation of geothermal water resources, energy and technological solutions, as well as methods of using and measuring energy consumption by consumers.
Various applications of geothermal water, steam and energy provided by selected geothermal intakes, as well as by the Hellisheiði and Svartsengi thermal power plants were presented, as well as several new solutions and applications of geothermal water and energy implemented by innovative companies in the Hellisheiði Geothermal Park and Reykjanes Resource Park. During their stays in these places, the participants also listened to lectures on research and work carried out for several years, including: on the injection and storage of carbon dioxide in the rock mass (in solid form). The possibilities of producing alternative fuels were also discussed. Many of these innovative applications, as well as experiences from the operation of geothermal energy clusters and parks, can be transferred to Poland. Both before and during the Study Visit, the participants received information packages that helped them take advantage of the Visit.
During the Study Visit it was possible to discover geothermal, natural and historical attractions of Iceland, geysers, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir rift valley (where Iceland’s statehood and parliamentarism originated from), enjoying geothermal pools, admiring the Northern Lights, and taking a walk around Reykjavík which is the northernmost capital in the world and also the cleanest one, as it is nearly entirely heated with geothermal energy (the first geothermal heating systems were built in the 1930s).
Study visit in the opinions of participants and organizers
Participants gave positive evaluations of the organisation and content of the Study Visit. It was ensured through the agenda that the geothermal conditions and district heating perspectives in Poland, were in accordance with the participants’ expectations and needs.
The Study Visit was a success, thanks to organisers and active participants and high interest in all topics discussed as well as visited geothermal facilities, conversations, and friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Overall comment from the Polish delegation was that this has been one of the best-prepared Study Visit they have participated in, it was well conceived and suited to the participants’ needs. The professional services of two interpreters significantly contributed to a full understanding of the content and comfort of the participants.
The Study Visit fulfilled the set objectives, and it will undoubtedly translate into specific effects for many participants, their companies, and institutions. It proved (similarly to the previous training activities in Poland in April 2023) that Polish stakeholders need such activities as well as the opportunity to use the expertise in district heating and other methods of geothermal use, especially from the global leaders in this area.
While geysers and geothermal steam are notable resources in Iceland, the country offers more. The temperature of Icelandic geothermal water in certain areas resembles that found in Poland. Geothermal water is widely utilized in Iceland for district heating and various applications. During the Study Visit, participants witnessed this first hand, grasped the underlying arguments, and were motivated to explore similar geothermal applications in Poland, particularly considering the current challenges we face. The Study Visit facilitated the exchange of experiences and information between Polish and Icelandic stakeholders regarding geothermal district heating and other applications. It provided a platform to harness the power of collaboration and contacts, aligning with the key objectives of the EEA FM Programme, under which the KeyGeothermal Project is executed, and the reference Study Visit was organized.
The Project partners express their sincere gratitude to all individuals and institutions involved in organizing the Study Visit, developing the agenda, creating information materials, and managing logistical aspects. They also extend their thanks to the participants for contributing to the excellent atmosphere and providing positive feedback on the Study Visit. The successful execution of this initiative was the result of effective cooperation and the dedicated engagement of many individuals, opening up further options and opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Poland and Iceland in renewables and geothermal district heating. This collaboration aims to reduce pollution, enhance energy security, and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. The “Capacity Building of Key Stakeholders in the Area of Geothermal Energy’” project is financially supported by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism within the framework of the Environment, Energy, and Climate Change Programme (2014–2021) in the Energy programme area.
Summary of the news from the conference, were presented at the web of Orkustofnun. News was also from the meeting, like interview with Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate (Icelandic). Interview were also with company Artic Green that can be seen here in English and Icelandic.
Presentations from the Workshops of September 26, 2023 (click here)
Wydarzenia
Sprawdź wszystkie wydarzenia
Partnerzy projektu
Wspólnie działamy na rzecz Europy zielonej, konkurencyjnej i sprzyjającej integracji społecznej
Projekt KeyGeothermal jest dofinansowany ze środków Mechanizmu Finansowego EOG na lata 2014–2021
Program „Środowisko, Energia i Zmiany klimatu”, Obszar programowy „Energia” Polska.
Operatorzy Programu: Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska, NFOŚiGW