Taeknisetur ehf.

Their core work

Taeknisetur (IceTec) is an Icelandic research centre specializing in geothermal energy technology — from subsurface exploration and stimulation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) to surface-level heat exchange and power conversion using Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC). Their work spans the full geothermal value chain: improving how geothermal reservoirs are accessed, how heat is extracted and stored, and how it is converted to electricity. Based in Reykjavik, they bring Iceland's deep practical experience with geothermal energy to European research consortia tackling geothermal competitiveness and deployment challenges.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IceTec's early H2020 involvement (2018, MEET) focused on subsurface geothermal challenges — EGS mapping, reservoir stimulation, and upscaling demonstration sites. By 2019, their focus shifted decisively toward surface-side performance: heat exchanger materials, scaling prevention, surface chemistry, thermal storage, and cooling systems. This progression suggests a move from exploration-phase geothermal research toward improving the efficiency and economics of operating geothermal plants.

IceTec is moving toward materials science and engineering solutions that make geothermal plants more efficient and cost-competitive — expect future work on advanced heat exchanger coatings, anti-scaling technologies, and flexible plant operation.

How they like to work

IceTec operates exclusively as a participant, never coordinating projects — consistent with a specialist contributor that brings deep geothermal expertise to larger consortia. With 43 unique partners across 11 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia (averaging ~14 partners per project). This makes them an accessible and experienced consortium partner, comfortable operating within complex multi-national teams.

Despite only 3 projects, IceTec has built a broad network of 43 partners across 11 countries, reflecting involvement in large geothermal demonstration consortia. Their network likely spans key European geothermal hubs including Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

What sets them apart

IceTec brings Iceland's unmatched real-world geothermal experience to European R&D consortia. While many partners in geothermal projects approach the topic theoretically, IceTec operates from a country where geothermal is a mature, primary energy source — giving them practical insight that is hard to replicate. Their combination of ORC expertise, heat exchanger know-how, and EGS experience covers more of the geothermal value chain than most single partners can offer.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GeoHex
  Largest funding (EUR 292,461) and focused on advanced materials for heat exchangers — a high-impact area for reducing geothermal plant costs.
• MEET
  Broad EGS demonstration project covering exploration to upscaling, with both energy and environmental dimensions — IceTec's entry point into H2020 geothermal research.