In this interview, Dr. Amel Barich, Founder & CEO of Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) , shares insights into the future of geothermal energy, covering superhot geothermal systems, advanced drilling, international collaboration, social license to operate, developing-country opportunities, and the growing role of geothermal in integrated energy systems. Image : Dr. Amel Barich Founder & CEO, Geoscience Research and Communications (GRC) Geoscientist | Geothermal R&D&I | Social License to Operate Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your current role in advancing geothermal innovation? I am a geoscientist and geothermal professional with a background spanning geothermal research and innovation, international collaboration, policy and science diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Over the past decade, I have worked from Iceland across major European and international geothermal initiatives, leading collaborative R...
Vienna's Leap Into Carbon-Neutral Energy: Inside the City's First Deep Geothermal Plant By: Robert Buluma Image of the city of Aspen in a blink mid_winter Vienna, a city famed for its historical landmarks and cultural elegance, is making headlines for something entirely different — the groundbreaking development of its first deep geothermal energy plant. Nestled in Aspern, within the city’s 22nd district, this ambitious project by OMV AG and Wien Energie GmbH is set to revolutionize how Vienna powers its homes, all while paving the way to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. The Heart of the Project: Drilling Deep for a Better Tomorrow This isn’t just another energy project; it’s a bold leap into the future. Drilling into the depths of the Aderklaaer Konglomerat, a natural hot water reservoir sitting 3,000 meters below Vienna’s surface, this initiative taps into geothermal energy — an inexhaustible, renewable source of heat. By 2028, this...