Key Takeaways
- Reykjavik University's Iceland School of Energy (ISE) and Southern Utah University (SUU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on sustainable energy education, research, and workforce development.
- The MOU formalises a relationship that has been developing for several years, during which SUU students participated in ISE's Energy Field School and the first SUU graduate was accepted as a full-time master's student at ISE.
- Iceland and Utah share a natural connection through geothermal energy: Iceland is a global leader in geothermal utilisation, while southern Utah is emerging as a centre for next-generation geothermal technologies, supported by projects such as Fervo Energy's Cape Station.
- Collaboration areas include student exchanges, joint research, industry engagement, workforce development, and joint funding proposals.
- SUU previously partnered with Fervo Energy and Elemental Impact in 2024 to launch a geothermal apprenticeship programme targeting workers in Utah's expanding geothermal sector.
Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University Sign Geothermal Energy Partnership
Reykjavik University (RU) and Southern Utah University (SUU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for collaboration in sustainable energy education, research, and workforce development. The agreement is coordinated on the RU side by the Iceland School of Energy (ISE), a graduate school within the university's Department of Engineering focused on sustainable energy and international collaboration.
The MOU formalises ties that have been building for several years. SUU representatives and the Governor's Office of the State of Utah previously visited RU to explore collaboration in energy and workforce development. Over the past two years, SUU students have taken part in ISE's Energy Field School, gaining direct experience with Iceland's renewable energy systems and geothermal resources. The ISE has also accepted its first SUU graduate as a full-time master's student, establishing a formal academic exchange pathway.
A Shared Foundation in Geothermal Energy
The partnership is grounded in the geothermal connection between the two regions. Iceland has decades of experience in geothermal electricity generation, district heating, reservoir management, and renewable energy integration, and is internationally recognised as one of the most advanced geothermal markets in the world. Utah is developing into one of the most active geothermal regions in the United States, with southern Utah home to significant resources and emerging as a hub for next-generation geothermal technology.
SUU has already moved to build workforce capacity for this expanding sector, partnering with Fervo Energy and Elemental Impact in 2024 to launch a geothermal apprenticeship programme tied to Fervo's Cape Station project. The MOU with Reykjavik University extends that effort by connecting SUU students and researchers to Iceland's mature geothermal expertise.
“For decades, Iceland has demonstrated what geothermal energy can achieve at scale. Today, the United States is entering a new era of geothermal innovation. This partnership connects our universities and their unique experiences, creating opportunities for students, researchers, and industry to learn from one another while helping shape the future of sustainable energy,” said Dr. Juliet Newson, Director of the Iceland School of Energy.
Scope of the Agreement and Next Steps For Reykjavik University & SUU
The MOU covers sustainable energy and geothermal research, student internships and experiential learning, joint lectures and site visits, faculty and student exchanges, industry engagement, educational pathway development, joint funding proposals, and professional workforce development. In the coming months, representatives from both institutions will identify priority initiatives and begin developing the first collaborative activities under the agreement.
“The signing of this agreement solidifies a relationship years in the making. We are grateful to our colleagues at Reykjavik University for past collaborations and eagerly anticipate future opportunities that will benefit the students, faculty, staff, and communities associated with both institutions,” said Dr. Bill Heyborne, Dean of SUU's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
