News
News & articles
The latest news, research articles, and announcements.
Research
ÍSOR maps fractures and dykes at Patreksfjörður using a drone
ÍSOR staff carried out drone magnetic surveys at Patreksfjörður to get a clearer picture of the dykes and fractures in the area.
26 May 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSOR at the GeoTHERM expo & congress in Offenburg, focused on low-temperature geothermal
Geologists Auður Agla Óladóttir and Sveinborg Hlíf Gunnarsdóttir represented ÍSOR at the GeoTHERM congress in Offenburg, Germany.
5 March 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
International Day of Women in Science – 11 February 2026
To mark the day, ÍSOR highlights the women at the institute who play a key role in its research.
11 February 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Alexandra K. Hafsteinsdóttir receives the President of Iceland's Innovation Award
Alexandra, a master's student and ÍSOR employee, won the award for her project mapping groundwater on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
22 January 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR's role in a 10 MW geothermal plant supports the energy transition in Dominica
ÍSOR and HD ehf. signed an agreement with DGDC to supervise the commissioning of a 10 MW geothermal plant in Dominica.
13 January 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
A new high-temperature deep sampler – a step forward in geothermal research
ÍSOR has developed a new high-temperature deep sampler supporting better geothermal research and utilisation.
6 January 2026 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSOR at the EMODnet Open Conference 2025
ÍSOR's geoscientific seabed research supports the study of natural resources and the protection of seabed areas.
29 December 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
Open meeting on 5 November hosted by GRÓ, the Geothermal Training Programme and the Foreign Ministry
An open meeting on development cooperation and geothermal energy, held with the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland.
4 November 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Magnetic surveys with a drone
ÍSOR invested in a new drone and magnetometer; the first surveys were carried out at the Botn and Hjalteyri geothermal areas in Eyjafjörður.
23 October 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR and Arctic Green Engineering Services (AGEN) begin collaboration
ÍSOR and AGEN, a Hungary-based consultancy, join forces in geothermal-industry services across Europe.
30 September 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
Updated geothermal assessment – unique conditions for utilisation in Iceland
The report on heat reserves, heat flow and the future of geothermal utilisation in Iceland has been published.
25 September 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Hot water found in a new borehole at Patreksfjörður
Orkubú Vestfjarða drilled a new production well at Patreksfjörður, in addition to the one drilled in autumn 2024.
28 August 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
EMODnet seabed-geology conference held in Iceland, 3–6 June 2025
ÍSOR, with the University of Iceland and the Geological Society of Iceland, hosted the EMODnet-Geology conference in Iceland for the first time.
24 June 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
On water protection and forestry
ÍSOR provides independent advice on geosciences and geological resources such as geothermal energy and groundwater.
27 May 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Iceland's continental shelf rights confirmed on the Reykjanes Ridge
The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf approved Iceland's outer-limit proposals on the Reykjanes Ridge.
21 March 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
The flexible couplings are in the borehole!
ÍSOR's flexible couplings — a solution to casing damage from thermal expansion — have been installed in a borehole at Nesjavellir.
26 February 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
ÍSOR nominated for a European innovation award
ÍSOR's flexible coupling was nominated by the European Geothermal Energy Council for the Ruggero Bertani EGI Award 2025.
3 February 2025 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the 8th event hosted by ÍSOR
The eighth event in ÍSOR's series on the energy and resources of the earth was held; a recording is available.
9 December 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the 7th event hosted by ÍSOR
The seventh ÍSORÐ meeting in ÍSOR's series on energy and the Earth's resources; a recording is on YouTube.
9 December 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
Information meeting on the strong results of geothermal exploration
The Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate convened a meeting on the strong results of recent geothermal exploration.
12 September 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSOR and the University of Akureyri collaborate with scientists from IODP Expedition 396
ÍSOR and the University of Akureyri held a conference with IODP Expedition 396 scientists, plus a field trip in Northeast Iceland.
2 September 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Director of the Geothermal Training Programme
Bjarni Richter, a geologist at ÍSOR, took over as director of the Geothermal Training Programme – GRÓ-GTP.
6 August 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Strong interest in collaboration with Icelanders
Business Iceland, with the Washington embassy and the state of Colorado, held a conference on green-energy collaboration.
26 June 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the 6th event hosted by ÍSOR
The event covered how ÍSOR's work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Iceland's climate goals.
25 June 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
ÍSOR wins the IGC Innovation Award
The Iceland Geothermal Conference concluded at Harpa with nearly 600 participants from 54 countries.
31 May 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Could have enormous significance for Ísafjörður
A major geothermal-exploration milestone was reached at Ísafjörður that could greatly affect quality of life and the economy.
31 May 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Course by the Geothermal Training Programme and LaGeo in El Salvador
A two-week course by the Geothermal Training Programme and LaGeo concluded at LaGeo's headquarters in Santa Tecla.
13 February 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR reviews data from two geothermal areas in El Salvador
ÍSOR is reviewing data from East Ahuachapán and Conchagua for the Foreign Ministry and the World Bank.
25 January 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Eruptions on the Svartsengi-Sundhnúkur fissure since the Ice Age
A look back at the eruption history of the Sundhnúkur fissure, part of the ~30 km long Svartsengi system.
18 January 2024 · Magnús Á. Sigurgeirsson · 3 min read
Research
Investigating whether magma gas is causing the uplift
Egill Árni Guðnason, geophysicist at ÍSOR, says gravity measurements are key to determining the cause of uplift at Svartsengi.
9 January 2024 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Submarine lava flows and craters off Grindavík
Earthquakes and uplift near Þorbjörn prompted a review of geological data and old accounts of eruptions.
12 November 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
The Equality Scale recognition
ÍSOR is a proud recipient of the Equality Scale recognition, presented at a ceremony.
13 October 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the fifth event hosted by ÍSOR
ÍSOR hosted ÍSORÐ on Wednesday 27 September; the meeting lasted about 40 minutes.
27 September 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Earth resources
Earth resources are among humanity's most important, yet Iceland lags neighbouring countries in mapping them.
21 September 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Iceland's delegation presented a revised submission to the UN shelf commission
ÍSOR's seabed-research expertise supports work on Iceland's continental-shelf outer limits with the Foreign Ministry.
12 August 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR establishes itself in geothermal energy in India
ÍSOR works with the Indian state oil company ONGC on siting and designing boreholes and supervising drilling.
11 August 2023 · Daði Þorbjörnsson · 3 min read
Research
Eruption at Litli-Hrútur and earthquake monitoring at ÍSOR
ÍSOR has worked with the Czech Academy of Sciences since 2013, operating 17 seismometers on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
11 July 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Projects of ÍSOR and its partners in India
ÍSOR, together with Verkís and Techon India, is working on projects in India.
10 July 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
ÍSOR to continue unchanged
A review considered whether to merge agencies under the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate.
4 July 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
ÍSOR celebrates its 20th anniversary
On 1 July 2023 ÍSOR turned 20; on that day in 2003 new legislation on the institute took effect.
3 July 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Extensive research on Iceland's crust and geothermal exploration
A group from the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan arrives for extensive research on the crust.
28 June 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
Offshore wind energy
ÍSOR specialists took part in a steering group on the feasibility of offshore energy production for the ministry.
13 June 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the fourth event hosted by ÍSOR
It was time for the next ÍSORÐ, the event series ÍSOR launched in 2022.
1 June 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
Technician in borehole logging
Amid growing activity, ÍSOR seeks an ambitious individual for the role of borehole-logging technician.
26 May 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Geothermal activity beneath the ring road
Increased geothermal activity beneath the highway in Hveradalir called for ÍSOR's advice to the Road Administration.
15 May 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
ÍSOR's assessment of district-heating systems
At Samorka's conference, ÍSOR presented the findings of a report for the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate.
5 May 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
From the Canary Islands to Kashmir
In Morgunblaðið, Bjarni Richter is interviewed about the foreign projects ÍSOR is working on.
4 May 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
ÍSOR seeks a specialist in geothermal reservoir science
Amid growing activity, ÍSOR seeks a specialist in geothermal reservoir science.
31 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Research is a prerequisite for sustainable geothermal use
Research on geothermal energy is a prerequisite for using the resource sustainably into the future.
30 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR and Verkís joined the Foreign Ministry's trip to India
ÍSOR and Verkís joined a trip to India organised by the Foreign Ministry with the Delhi embassy.
30 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
Summer jobs in geology 2023
ÍSOR seeks university students for summer geology positions, mainly in research and data processing.
21 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
Summer job in engineering 2023
ÍSOR seeks a university student for a summer engineering position related to geothermal energy.
21 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Bloomberg article on geothermal energy
Bloomberg covers geothermal energy in Iceland and its role in the country's development.
1 March 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Agency mergers secure ÍSOR's continued service
The minister presented plans to merge ten of the ministry's agencies into three strong institutions.
1 February 2023 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – the third event hosted by ÍSOR
ÍSOR specialists discussed topics relating to the energy and resources of the earth.
7 December 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR and Dominica
ÍSOR has worked on geothermal projects in the Caribbean, including Dominica, since 2011.
21 November 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Increasing energy security for the future
ÍSOR aims to lead in advising on sustainable geothermal use and to support Iceland's policy.
17 November 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
Job openings at ÍSOR amid growing activity
Amid growing activity, ÍSOR is looking for ambitious individuals to join the team.
14 November 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
President of Iceland visits Cornell University with ÍSOR and the Energy Cluster
Cornell University has collaborated with GRP Iceland, the Iceland Energy Cluster and the Icelandic government.
14 November 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Renewal of EuroGeoSurveys membership
ÍSOR renewed its membership in the association of 37 European geological surveys, strengthening Iceland's standing in geoscience.
31 October 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
ÍSORÐ – ÍSOR's meeting series on energy and the Earth's resources
The next ÍSORÐ meeting in the series of events ÍSOR launched in the spring.
10 October 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR takes part in geothermal research in the Canary Islands
ÍSOR signed an agreement with Repsol for a geothermal assessment on La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
10 October 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
Scientific articles by Icelandic geoscientists in Nature
Two articles by Icelandic geoscientists appeared in Nature, both on the 2021 Fagradalsfjall activity.
19 September 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Environmental monitoring for Landsvirkjun
ÍSOR staff carried out environmental monitoring for Landsvirkjun at Krafla, Námafjall and Þeistareykir.
16 September 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
A new optical televiewer added to ÍSOR's logging suite
An optical televiewer images borehole walls in high resolution, revealing the fracturing and structure of the strata.
16 September 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Borehole logging on the island of Terceira
An ÍSOR geophysicist carried out borehole logging on the island of Terceira in the Azores.
12 September 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Magnetic surveys using a drone
ÍSOR specialists are carrying out drone magnetic surveys over geothermal areas in the Krafla region.
7 September 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
ÍSOR finalises an agreement with ONGC
ÍSOR agreed with ONGC on preparing a geothermal plant in the Puga valley in Ladakh, Kashmir.
30 August 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
An eruption has begun anew – the Fagradalsfjall Fires?
Magnús Á. Sigurgeirsson explains how the eruptive history of the Reykjanes Peninsula informs what lies ahead.
4 August 2022 · Magnús Á. Sigurgeirsson · 3 min read
Publications
Structure of the oceanic crust and rift zones
Anett Blischke and colleagues authored a paper on the structure of the sea area north of Iceland and west of Jan Mayen.
5 July 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
Energy and the Earth's resources – a lecture
ÍSOR launched a series of events under the name ÍSORÐ on topics related to the institute's work.
30 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Coverage of geothermal energy in Energy Global
Energy Global covers geothermal energy and its role in increasing the share of renewable energy.
27 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
Energy and the Earth's resources – ÍSORÐ
ÍSOR launches a series of events on energy and the Earth's resources from the institute's perspective.
24 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Careers
Position at the chemistry laboratory
Amid growing activity, ÍSOR seeks an individual for a position at its chemistry laboratory.
23 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Events
Open house at ÍSOR's new headquarters at Urðarhvarf 8
ÍSOR invited guests to an open house at its new headquarters at Urðarhvarf 8 in Kópavogur.
20 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
A visit from Indonesia
ÍSOR has taken part in geothermal projects in Indonesia with other Icelandic companies.
20 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
Drilling on Dominica
Dominica has relied on imported fuel, and ÍSOR is involved in geothermal drilling for its energy transition.
16 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Geological and geohazard mapping of coastal areas in Seyðisfjörður and Norðfjörður
ÍSOR received a Road Administration grant for geological and geohazard mapping of eastern coastal areas.
15 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
ÍSOR annual review
ÍSOR's annual review has been published and, for the first time, is released only on the website.
15 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Carbfix and ÍSOR sign a carbon-storage agreement
Carbfix and ÍSOR signed an agreement on further cooperation in carbon storage, including abroad.
15 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
Precursors of the Fagradalsfjall eruption
A Nature Geoscience paper describes the unrest that began at Svartsengi in 2020 and foreshadowed the eruption.
15 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
ÍSOR moves to Urðarhvarf 8
ÍSOR is relocating to Kópavogur and begins regular work there on Monday 17 January.
14 June 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
Where and how do earthquakes form?
A new ÍSOR research project examines how geothermal use, fluid flow and crustal movement affect seismicity.
24 May 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Research
The volcanic episode on the Reykjanes Peninsula 1900–2500 years ago
The penultimate eruptive episode on the Reykjanes Peninsula was not very different from the last, which ran 800–1240 AD.
24 May 2022 · Magnús Á. Sigurgeirsson · 3 min read
Research
Basic research underpins sustainable use of seabed resources
ÍSOR holds unique expertise in the geoscientific processing of seabed research data around Iceland.
24 May 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
Publications
New geological map of Iceland's Western Volcanic Zone
A new 1:100,000 geological map of the Western Volcanic Zone covers the lava fields north of Þingvallavatn.
24 May 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
International
GEOENVI – environmental impacts of geothermal use in Europe
ÍSOR took part in the GEOENVI project under the EU's Horizon 2020 programme during 2018–2021.
24 May 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
News
Ministerial visit
The Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate visited ÍSOR's new premises at Urðarhvarf 8 in Kópavogur.
24 May 2022 · Ritstjórn ÍSOR · 3 min read
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