Geothermal energy utilization is widespread in Iceland. Almost 90% of houses are geothermally heated, about 17% of the electricity generated and half of the countries primary energy supply is from geothermal sources. Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) and its predecessors have played a major role in this development by providing scientific service to the geothermal industry and advice to the government of Iceland. ÍSOR has been active in promoting geothermal development by enhancing public and political awareness and understanding. 

The poster presents the contribution of ÍSOR in training scientists throughout the world in geothermal science and development by providing lectures and supervisors. 

In Iceland, ÍSOR has established cooperation contacts with academic institutions, and holds visiting professorships. ÍSOR and its predecessor have since 1989 collected data spanning over 50 years and managed the repository together with Orkustofnun (National Energy Authority) into a relational database. This database contains a comprehensive set of data on research and exploration of geothermal areas in Iceland as well as on their exploitation, well drilling, monitoring and geothermal reservoir management. A part of this basic data has been inserted into an interactive map interface, “Gagnavefsja,” which is accessible over the internet. The database is meant to serve different user groups, the public as well as power companies and contractors, and is presented in both Icelandic and English (password protected access to proprietary data and publications). Each year ÍSOR prepares research reports on various projects and a list of all of them can be accessed at the national library database “Gegnir”. 

The most comprehensive dissemination activity is ÍSOR´S contribution to the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP). The UNU-GTP has been operated in Iceland since 1979. It is financed mainly by the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but is administered by Orkustofnun. About 60% of all its training is provided by ÍSOR. The trainees work along with our professionals, and acquire knowledge in various aspects of ÍSOR specialized fields of research, exploration, and development. Annually, over 20 fellows from the developing countries participate in a 6 month intensive geothermal course in Iceland and 6-9 complete a 2 year MSc studies in geothermal sciences at the University of Iceland. The UNU-GTP has been very successful in world-wide capacity building in the field of geothermal energy. 

The government of Iceland is funding annual short courses in geothermal development in Africa, Central America and Asia as a contribution towards the Millenium Development Goals of the UN. They are organized by the UNU-GTP. ÍSOR´s experts play a significant role as lectures and advisers at these courses. 

ÍSOR has also organized courses and workshops in connection with projects for the Icelandic International Development Agency, such as in Nicaragua which is a target country for Iceland´s development aid.

Vilnius, Lithuania