About Us

SHiFT: SuperHot geothermal -

Integrated demonstration and Flow Testing

The overall objective of SHiFT is to raise Super Hot Geothermal (SHG) technologies from TRL 5 to TRL 7 by demonstrating, for the first time worldwide, power generation from >400°C resources. This first-of-a-kind demonstration will provide robust technical readiness of scaling up geothermal to cross the 400°C barrier and enabling access to both hotter and deeper resources. In doing so, SHiFT will anchor European technology leadership ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront globally of next-generation geothermal energy.

SHiFT will validate three SHG utilisation strategies- direct production of superhot fluids, reinjection into superhot reservoirs, and coupled production–reinjection supported by stimulation. These will be tested through drilling and operation of IDDP-3 at Nesjavellir and well pairs in Hengill field, ensuring full-scale demonstration under real reservoir conditions.

Work Packages

Work Package 1

Project Coordination

Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Work Package 1

Project Coordination

Work Package Leader:Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Objectives:

To ensure legal, contractual, ethical, financial, and administrative management of the project, the grant and consortium
To coordinate knowledge management, deliverables, milestone reports and cost statements
To organise consortium meetings and ensure consortium management
To coordinate payments and distribution of funding
To liaise between EC and the consortium

Work Package 2

Reservoir targeting, monitoring and impact

Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR)

Work Package 2

Reservoir targeting, monitoring and impact

Work Package Leader:Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR)

Objectives:

Refine conceptual and static geological models for SHG reservoir targeting
Further develop numerical models that simulate the natural hydrothermal system and its response to different well configurations
Time dependent multi-method geophysical model will monitor reservoir response, during drilling and testing, providing high-resolution observations of fracture generation and reactivation
Apply physics-informed AI-assisted drilling advisory for drilling process optimization, early risk detection, and decision support.

Work Package 3

SHG technology development: Well Design, Materials, and Completion Systems

Verkis (VER)

Work Package 3

SHG technology development: Well Design, Materials, and Completion Systems

Work Package Leader:Verkis (VER)

Objectives:

Prepare well design and material selection report for SHG wells to withstand extreme temperature and pressure during production and chemically aggressive fluids during the heat-up phase
To prepare metal well casing specification with acid mitigation measures
Design, specify, and adapt wellhead, flowline, and valve systems for SHG wells for superheated geothermal fluids under extreme conditions
Develop and test high-temperature cement systems for superhot geothermal (SHG) wells with calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based blends.

Work Package 4

SHG Demonstration A: IDDP-3 – Superhot Production

Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Work Package 4

SHG Demonstration A: IDDP-3 – Superhot Production

Work Package Leader:Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Objectives:

Final engineering design for IDDP-3
Final engineering design for surface equipment and flowline
Drilling and completion the IDDP-3 into superhot formations
Construct and install surface equipment for flow testing
Flow testing of IDDP-3 and monitoring
Validate processing and power conversion via pilot wet scrubbing and connection to power plant

Work Package 5

SHG Demonstration B: Reinjection and EGS Validation

Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Work Package 5

SHG Demonstration B: Reinjection and EGS Validation

Work Package Leader:Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) (OR)

Objectives:

Deliver the final engineering design for the NJ-32 reinjection well, building on the experience and lessons learned from the design and drilling of IDDP-3

Drill and complete the NJ-32 reinjection well with advanced casing, cementing, and monitoring systems suitable for >400°C reinjection

Conduct baseline reinjection testing under natural conditions to establish injectivity, thermal performance, and reservoir connectivity

Apply and evaluate permeability enhancement methods (thermal or hydraulic stimulation) after baseline tests to improve reservoir connectivity and flow capacity

Produce validated datasets and operational guidelines for sustainable SHG reinjection and permeability enhancement, ensuring replicability across Europe

Work Package 6

Integrated Performance Validation

COWI Island ehf. (COWI)

Work Package 6

Integrated Performance Validation

Work Package Leader:COWI Island ehf. (COWI)

Objectives:

Evaluate and summarize results from WP 4 and WP5
Jointly evaluate all new data extracted from the project to update the conceptual model, with special focus on further SHG development and to promote the replicability of project results in EU
Establish lessons learned with key focus on learnings from drilling into superhot volcanic rocks
To develop a cost estimate for scaling up SHG systems for electricity generation, using lessons learned in WP4 and WP5
Benchmarking of SHG compared to other renewables and traditional geothermal

Work Package 7

Societal Engagement and SSH-Guided Innovation

Technovative Solutions Ltd. (TVS)

Work Package 7

Societal Engagement and SSH-Guided Innovation

Work Package Leader:Technovative Solutions Ltd. (TVS)

Objectives:

Deliver an environmental impact assessment of the proposed actions with mitigation measures
Use and understand existing information on SSH disciplines, in particular social innovation, to enhance the societal impact of the research activities
Engage with civil society and communities near geothermal sites, to develop understanding of how utilisation of geothermal resources aligns with cultural values and contextual settings at local to regional level
Organise capacity building activities to increase the responsiveness of geothermal energy industry to diverse societal interests and concerns

Work Package 8

Dissemination, Replication and Exploitation

Technovative Solutions Ltd. (TVS)

Work Package 8

Dissemination, Replication and Exploitation

Work Package Leader:Technovative Solutions Ltd. (TVS)

Objectives:

Develop and maintain effective and proactive dissemination and communication actions, a multi-channel dissemination platform that ensures a continuous dialogue with a widespread audience
Encourage open access publications to greater outreach of project results
Outreach to key stakeholders for consultations on the SHiFT results and impacts, to manage targeted consulting actions (e.g., workshops, focus groups) with relevant energy actors
IPR management and exploitation strategy as well as market deployment roadmap

Consortium Partners

Orkuveita Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Energy) [OR] - Iceland

Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveitan) is the parent company of Veitur, Orka náttúrunnar (ON), Ljósleiðarinn and Carbfix. The company supports a growing society, homes and business life with innovation in energy, utilities and carbon fixation, enabling a sustainable future.

Role in the SHiFT Project:

Orkuveita Reykjavíkur (OR) oversees project management and provides support in close collaboration with ON. OR will act as owner and operator of the demonstration wells and related equipment, serving as the liable partner for risk and safety. Through its role, OR ensures effective coordination, compliance with safety standards, and operational responsibility for the project’s demonstration activities.