Reykjavík University Showcases Research and Global Reach at WGC2026

In June, the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2026 brought together more than 2,000 delegates from 73 countries in Calgary, Canada, reaffirming its position as the world's leading gathering of the geothermal community. Researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and students came together to share new discoveries, strengthen international collaboration, and discuss the future of geothermal energy.

This year's congress held particular significance for Iceland, which served as the Official Country Partner under the theme "Home of Geothermal." With more than 100 representatives from Icelandic companies, universities, government agencies, and research organizations in attendance, the congress highlighted Iceland's leadership in geothermal development and its continued role in advancing the industry worldwide.

Among the Icelandic delegation, Reykjavík University made a strong contribution through the work of its faculty, students, alumni, and the Iceland School of Energy (ISE), the University's graduate school dedicated to sustainable energy education. Throughout the week, the University's presence reflected both the strength of its research and the global reach of its graduates.

Research Driving Innovation

Researchers and students from Reykjavík University presented work addressing many of the industry's most important challenges, from improving geothermal power production and developing superhot geothermal resources to applying machine learning and digital technologies to geothermal operations.

Representing Reykjavík University were researcher Agata Rostran, PhD students Arkaitz Manterola Donoso and Nursanty Elisabeth Banjarnahor, Associate Professor Dr. María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir, and Dr. Juliet Newson, Director of the University's Iceland School of Energy. Their contributions included:

• Agata Rostran – Field Validation of a Machine Learning Model for Real-Time Prediction of Geothermal Well Output using Differential Pressure Measurements
• Arkaitz Manterola Donoso – Geothermal Well Interconnection Analysis using Stock Reservoir Modeling
• Dr. María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir – Utilization of Superhot Geothermal Fluids from the Krafla Magma Testbed Project; Connecting High- and Low-Pressure Geothermal Wells Using a Supersonic Ejector: Analysis of Field Tests at the Þeistareykir Geothermal Power Plant
• Nursanty Elisabeth Banjarnahor – The Design of the Geothermal Laboratory (GEOLAB) at Hellisheiði Geothermal Park
• Dr. Juliet Newson, joined the international panel Growing Market in Cold Regions: Perspectives and Case Studies, discussing the expanding opportunities for geothermal heating in colder climates.

Reykjavík University Graduates on the Global Stage
The congress also demonstrated the international impact of graduates from the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavík University, many of whom returned to WGC2026 not as students, but as researchers, engineers, consultants, and industry leaders.

Among the alumni presenting their work were:

• Alexandra Martin - (Class of 2024), Research and Innovation Engineer at Reykjavik Energy, who presented Geothermal Waste to Value: Quantifying Availability at Hellisheidi Cogenerative Power Plant
• Nahashon Karanja Nzioka (Class of 2025), Principal Engineer (Drilling) at KenGen, who presented Casing Failure in Geothermal Wells: A Case Study of a Well in the Olkaria Geothermal Field and Lessons in Well Integrity Management.
• Julia Lee Reimer (Class of 2023), Geochemical Lab and Field Specialist with Landsvirkjun, who presented a scientific poster and two technical presentations supporting geothermal operations at the Krafla and Þeistareykir power stations.
• Jackson Grimes (Class of 2022), Director of Global Engagement at Project InnerSpace, who participated in the international panel Geothermal for the SDGs.
• Jeffrey M. Andel (Class of 2023), Senior Science Research Specialist at the Philippines Department of Energy, who presented the Philippines Country Update.
• Christine Groves (Class of 2025), who presented a poster based on her master's thesis, Numerical Modeling of Supersonic Ejectors for Combining High- and Low-Pressure Steam for Geothermal Applications.

The congress also provided an opportunity to reconnect with alumni working across the geothermal sector, including Sarah Sternbergh (Class of 2016), Senior Engineer at Tetra Tech; Casey Lavigne (Class of 2018), Geothermal Power Engineer at Jacobs; Chelsea Cervantes (Class of 2019), Project Geologist at Seequent; and Nicholas Fry (Class of 2021), Geothermal District Energy Consultant at Jacobs.

Together, these alumni represent nearly a decade of graduates now contributing to geothermal exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, district heating, consulting, technology, and project development around the world. Their careers reflect Reykjavík University's commitment to preparing graduates who can make meaningful contributions to the global energy transition.

Building Connections Beyond the Conference

While the technical programme was at the heart of WGC2026, the congress also provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, reconnect with alumni, and build new collaborations between universities, industry, and government. For Reykjavík University, it was a chance to see the impact of its research community and the growing network of graduates applying their knowledge around the world.

Reflecting on the congress, Nataly Castillo Ruiz (Class of 2019), Reservoir Modeling Engineer in the Reservoir Development Team, Development and Major Projects at Contact Energy in New Zealand, shared:

"This World Geothermal Congress showed the growth and opportunities our industry is facing. From growing interest from new industries to the expansion of existing geothermal applications, the momentum is clear. Collaboration, communication with stakeholders, and advocacy were common themes throughout the sessions. Seeing Iceland School of Energy graduates presenting, leading projects, and sharing their expertise demonstrated the impact of the programme. ISE has been the starting point for many remarkable professional journeys. All the graduates we met are doing incredible things in the industry and continue to make important contributions. It was a showcase of ISE's contribution to the geothermal industry."

Her reflections captured a theme that echoed throughout the week: although Reykjavík University comes from a small nation, its influence on the global geothermal community extends far beyond Iceland. Through its research, graduates, and international partnerships, the University continues to help shape the future of geothermal energy.