The REGEOSS project aims to valorize geothermal silica recovered from the residual fluids of Icelandic geothermal power plants. Our consortium, led by GeoSilica Iceland, includes partners from Italy: Demetra Italia srl, TEC STAR SRL, and the National Research Council's Institute for the Science, Technology, and Sustainability for the Development of Ceramic Materials (CNR-ISSMC). The REGEOSS project was initiated to address several critical challenges and opportunities in the utilisation of geothermal resources, particularly focusing on the high concentrations of colloidal silica present in the geothermal brines of Icelandic power plants. Here's a detailed background on why this project is both necessary and promising. 

 

Environmental and Industrial Challenges
Geothermal power plants are a key component of Iceland's renewable energy infrastructure, but they also produce residual fluids rich in colloidal silica. This silica can cause scaling and corrosion in the power generation equipment, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced efficiency. Historically, managing the high silica content has been a significant challenge for geothermal operations.

 

Sustainable Utilization of Geothermal By-products

The REGEOSS project aims to transform this challenge into an opportunity by recovering and valorizing the colloidal silica. This approach not only helps reduce the environmental impact associated with silica disposal but also taps into an underutilized resource. By extracting silica from geothermal effluent, the project supports sustainable practices that align with global sustainability goals, such as reducing waste and promoting the circular economy.

Innovation and Economic Opportunity
There is a growing demand for silica in various industries, including food supplements, industrial fluids, and agriculture. The project proposes innovative applications of geothermal silica in creating highly bioavailable food supplements, industrial nanofluids, and biostimulants for agriculture. These products are expected to offer superior performance due to their natural and & sustainable attributes, potentially commanding a premium in the market.

Collaboration and Technological Advancement
REGEOSS brings together a consortium of partners with diverse expertise ranging from geothermal energy production to advanced materials science and biotechnology. This interdisciplinary collaboration is designed to foster innovation in product development and ensure the comprehensive utilization of geothermal silica.

Market and Societal Impact
By developing new products and technologies that leverage an otherwise problematic by-product, REGEOSS aims to contribute to the local economy, create jobs, and promote Iceland's leadership in geothermal technology and sustainable development. Additionally, the products developed have the potential to improve health outcomes and agricultural productivity, providing broader societal benefits. In summary, the REGEOSS project is a strategic initiative that leverages interdisciplinary research and innovation to solve an environmental issue while creating economic value and advancing sustainability. It exemplifies how technological challenges can be transformed into opportunities for industry and society.