Participants in GEO-RIN Spain 2025. Source: PiensaGeotermia.
The Geo-RIN 2025 conference brought together international geothermal experts in Benasque, Spain, providing space for scientific and technological cooperation.
With an attendance of more than 150 participants from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, the First Conference of the Geothermal Research and Innovation Network for Portugal and Spain (Geo-RIN Iberia) concluded successfully in the town of Benasque (Huesca, Aragon), held from June 2 to 6, 2025.
This event marked an important step forward in strengthening Iberian and international cooperation around the development of geothermal energy as a key element of the energy transition and technological innovation in the region.
For five days, Geo-RIN offered a combination of scientific sessions, roundtable discussions, technical workshops, and integration activities , focusing on shallow and deep geothermal energy. The agenda also included geotechnical tours, networking opportunities, and a series of strategic debates with key speakers from the academic, institutional, and business worlds.
High-level technical exchange
More than 15 oral presentations and posters were presented on studies conducted in the Iberian Peninsula, Germany, and the Atlantic archipelagos, covering everything from 3D modeling of geothermal systems to professional certification in heat pump technologies , as well as urban hybrid solutions , 5GDHC networks, and the resilience of thermal ecosystems to climate change .
The two strategic roundtables addressed:
“Shallow Geothermal Energy in Urban and Energy Planning” (in Spanish), with experts from Spain, Portugal, and Germany, analyzing regulatory barriers, urban thermal planning, and sustainability.
“Importing Oil and Gas Well Construction Technology to Accelerate Deep Geothermal Drilling on the Iberian Peninsula” (in English), moderated by Víctor Vilarrasa (CSIC/IMEDEA) , brought together representatives from Eden Geothermal, Well Guidance, TerraFerno and Hephae Energy, highlighting the synergy between oil sector technology and deep geothermal drilling.
One of the most eagerly awaited moments was the special lecture by Professor Javier F. Urchueguía , President of the European Geothermal Panel, who gave an overview of the role of geothermal energy in European energy security, highlighting that:
“More and more European cities are incorporating geothermal energy into their climate adaptation plans. Its combination with renewable heat pumps represents a resilient, efficient, and decentralized solution.”
Applied training and technical workshops
On Thursday, June 5, an intensive training session was held, featuring practical workshops and specialized courses on key tools and methodologies for developing geothermal projects:
SEEQUENT offered a session on integrated modeling of geothermal reservoirs.
DHI taught a numerical modeling course with FEFLOW.
SIALTEC Geotermia addressed the implementation and interpretation of Thermal Response Tests .
GEOTERNA PIRINEUS SLU introduced the Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) technique for hydrogeological characterization.
These spaces allowed industry professionals to deepen their knowledge, interact directly with experts, and explore emerging technologies applicable to diverse geological environments.
A natural environment ideal for collaboration
The event took place in a privileged setting, with the Benasque Valley as its backdrop, offering not only an ideal geological context but also opportunities for field activities, technical visits, and opportunities for collaboration between academic institutions, businesses, and local authorities.
The mayor of Benasque, Manuel Mora , declared:
“Our town is proud to have been the starting point for this scientific and technical meeting. Geothermal energy represents an opportunity for sustainable development for mountainous regions like ours, where geological heritage and renewable energy can go hand in hand.”
Portugal will be the next headquarters
During the closing day, the organizers announced that the second edition of the Geo-RIN Iberia conference will be held in Portugal , consolidating the rotating and international nature of this geothermal collaboration network.
Sponsors and institutional support
The conference was made possible thanks to the support of companies and institutions committed to the development of geothermal energy in Europe:
Patrocinadores principales:
Hephae Energy Technology, Seequent – The Bentley Subsurface Company, DHI, Xcalibur Multiphysics, SIALTEC Geotermia, GEOTERNA PIRINEUS SLU.
Academic and institutional support :
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) ,
Geological Society of Spain (SGE) ,
Hunosa Chair of Renewable Energy ,
Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC) ,
University of Zaragoza .
Regional and local collaborators :
Benasque City Council, Huesca Provincial Council, Government of Aragon.
Official communications medium :
PiensaGeotermia.com, an information platform specializing in renewable energy and geoenergy.
Geo-RIN Iberia is consolidating its position as a key event and platform for advancing knowledge, technology transfer, and international collaboration in the geothermal energy sector. PiensaGeotermia , the event’s official media outlet, celebrates this first edition and enthusiastically joins the drive for a more sustainable and decentralized energy future on the Iberian Peninsula.
Source: PiensaGeotermia
