Geoscience for a sustainable future
Geothermal energy
Pioneers in the geothermal industry for nearly a century
ÍSOR is an Icelandic leading international provider of scientific and technical expertise to the geothermal industry, both high and low temperature resources. The foundation for all this is our geoscience expertise and professional preparation.
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News & articles
News
From Krafla to Þeistareykir. A successful survey trip to the geothermal areas of Northeast Iceland
Last week a group of ÍSOR staff headed north on the annual trip to map and monitor surface activity at the geothermal areas that Landsvirkjun utilises in Northeast Iceland, at Námafjall, Krafla and Þeistareykir.
25 August 2026 · ÍSOR · 2 min read
News
A powerful new geothermal well on Kílhraun land at Áshildarmýri in Skeið
Drilling of a new production well for Hitaveita Kílhrauns at Áshildarmýri in Skeið was completed at the weekend with very good results. The well yields water at about 80°C, and the first results point to a large production capacity.
11 August 2026 · ÍSOR · 2 min read
News
ÍSOR begins seabed surveys for the Eyjagöng tunnel project. A sparker seismic profiler used for the first time in Iceland
ÍSOR opens a new chapter in its work today as our specialists head out to sea aboard the hydrographic survey vessel Baldur together with specialists from abroad.
30 June 2026 · ÍSOR · 1 min read
News
Strong participation by ÍSOR at the World Geothermal Congress in Calgary 2026
ÍSOR took an active part in the World Geothermal Congress 2026, held in Calgary, Canada, on 8–12 June. The conference is the largest international forum for professionals in the field of geothermal energy and geosciences, and it is attended by leading experts and representatives of companies and…
24 June 2026 · ÍSOR · 1 min read
News
ÍSOR maps fractures and dikes at Patreksfjörður using a drone
ÍSOR staff were carrying out magnetic measurements with a drone at Patreksfjörður and its immediate surroundings before the weekend. The aim of the measurements was to obtain a clearer picture of the position of dikes and fractures in the area, in addition to the little that has been mapped at the…
26 May 2026 · ÍSOR · 1 min read
News
ÍSOR participant at the GeoTHERM expo & congress in Offenburg, where low-temperature geothermal energy was in focus
The geologists Auður Agla Óladóttir and Sveinborg Hlíf Gunnarsdóttir were ÍSOR's representatives at the GeoTHERM expo & congress conference, held in Offenburg, Germany, at the end of February. This is one of Europe's foremost events for geothermal professionals and a true forum for sharing…
5 March 2026 · ÍSOR · 2 min read
Research areas
Expertise that reaches from the surface to the deep
From geothermal reservoirs and drilling to natural hazards and environmental studies.
Borehole logging
Testing and assessing well output calls for a range of measurements that yield information about the characteristics of boreholes and their capacity, as well as the characteristics and properties of each geothermal system. The same applies to well stimulation aimed at increasing the output of both new and older production wells. Well testing is a key element in the drilling of exploration and production wells, in well maintenance, and in recording information about each geothermal field.
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Geothermal resource assessment
ÍSOR has decades of experience in assessing the energy reserves of geothermal fields, in both low- and high-temperature systems in Iceland and abroad. Assessing the size of a geothermal system involves surveys and research to determine the physical properties and energy-production capacity of the system concerned. The assessment is based on the data available at any given time, and on the stage the system's utilisation has reached. The data drawn on may come from surface exploration and from research and production drilling, as well as from production data.
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Chemical analyses
Sampling and chemical analysis of water, gas and geological materials are the core of ÍSOR's geochemical services. We are committed to providing our clients with dependable, professional service and we work to international standards. ÍSOR employs a team of chemists, geochemists and geologists who have built up specialist expertise in sampling and chemical analysis, above all for the geothermal industry in Iceland.
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Geological mapping
ÍSOR specialises in producing geological maps of many kinds, covering both the land and the seabed. For decades ÍSOR's specialists and their predecessors have worked to map the geology of Iceland and to present that information on maps of various types.
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District-heating production monitoring
ÍSOR has decades of experience in assessing the energy reserves of geothermal fields, in both low- and high-temperature systems in Iceland and abroad. Assessing the size of a geothermal system involves surveys and research to determine the physical properties and energy-production capacity of the system concerned. The assessment is based on the data available at any given time, and on the stage the system's utilisation has reached. The data drawn on may come from surface exploration and from research and production drilling, as well as from production data.
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Groundwater research
Water protection and the sustainable use of the water resource is a demand of our time, and ÍSOR holds specialist expertise in this field. ÍSOR has provided advice on groundwater and groundwater research for water utilities, aquaculture stations and companies that produce bottled water.
Learn moreMap portal
Explore ÍSOR's map portal
Interactive maps of Iceland's geology, geothermal resources, and seafloor.
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