| Title | GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme in Iceland: 46 Years of Worldwide Capacity Building in Geothermal Energy |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bjarni Richter, Ingimar G. Haraldsson, Málfríður Ómarsdóttir, Guðni Axelsson |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | For 46 years, the Geothermal Training Programme (GTP) in Iceland has been building capacity in all aspects of geothermal development, specifically for developing countries with geothermal potential. Since 2020, it has operated under GRÓ – the International Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change, under the auspices of UNESCO. Since1979, GTP’s cornerstone has been its six-month training programme hosted in Iceland. By end of 2024, a total of 816 fellows from 67 countries have graduated from the programme. The programme provides general geothermal education, with each fellow also receiving specialized training in one of eight focus areas: geothermal geology, geophysical exploration, reservoir engineering and borehole geophysics, chemistry of thermal fluids, environmental science, geothermal utilization, drilling technology, and project management and finance. Each participant also completes a research project, under supervision. Since 1999, GTP has supported outstanding fellows for further academic studies in Iceland. By 2024, 89 fellows had completed MSc degrees and 6 earned PhD´s. Currently, 5 fellows are pursuing MSc degrees and 8 PhD´s. In addition to the Iceland based training, GTP has conducted short courses and workshops internationally since 2005. These activities, have reached over 3,000 participants through 81 events. The majority of GTP’s funding comes from the Government of Iceland, with supplementary support from international partners and local entities. The impact of the programme is evident in the professional growth of its alumni, many of whom have become geothermal leaders in their home countries, and in the documented advancements in geothermal energy development across supported regions. |