Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University Join to Advance Sustainable Energy Education and Research

Reykjavik University (RU) and Southern Utah University (SUU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for collaboration in sustainable energy education, research, and workforce development.

The agreement is being coordinated on behalf of RU by the Iceland School of Energy (ISE), a graduate school within the Department of Engineering focused on sustainable energy education, research, and international collaboration. The two institutions will work together to create new opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and industry partners in both Iceland and the United States.

Building on an Existing Relationship

While the signing of the MOU marks an important milestone, the relationship between the two universities has been developing for several years.

Representatives from SUU and the Governor's Office of the State of Utah previously visited RU to explore opportunities for collaboration in energy, education, and workforce development. Since then, faculty and staff from both institutions have continued to identify areas of shared interest and mutual benefit.

Over the past two years, students from SUU have participated in the ISE's Energy Field School, gaining first-hand experience with Iceland's renewable energy systems, geothermal resources, and education system. Recently, the ISE accepted its first SUU graduate as a full-time master's student, creating a new pathway for academic exchange and international collaboration.

"Iceland is on every geologist's bucket list, and so the opportunity to go … was amazing," said Parker Tenney, who participated in ISE's Energy Field School while an SUU undergraduate student. "I would definitely recommend this program to students interested in clean energy. Before the Energy Field School, I didn't know much about geothermal energy or the energy field; and now I have the skills and experience to talk to professionals in the field and feel comfortable discussing in-depth topics within geothermal energy."

A Partnership Rooted in Geothermal Energy

Iceland and Utah share a unique connection through geothermal energy.Iceland is internationally recognized as a global leader in geothermal utilization, using geothermal resources for both electricity generation and district heating while developing decades of expertise in geothermal exploration, reservoir management, and renewable energy integration.

Utah, meanwhile, is emerging as one of the most innovative geothermal regions in the United States. Southern Utah is home to significant geothermal resources and is becoming a center for innovation in next-generation geothermal technologies.

To meet the demands of this expanding regional industry, SUU is actively supporting the workforce needs of the local geothermal sector. Leveraging its proximity to Fervo Energy's Cape Station project, SUU joined forces with Fervo Energy and Elemental Impact in 2024 to launch a specialized geothermal apprenticeship program designed to prepare workers for careers in this cutting-edge field.

The agreement between SUU and RU creates an opportunity to connect Iceland's long-standing geothermal expertise with Utah's growing role in next-generation geothermal development. Together, the institutions aim to provide students and researchers with access to both mature geothermal systems and emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of clean energy.

Areas of Collaboration

The MOU establishes a broad framework for cooperation in areas including:

• Sustainable energy and geothermal research
• Student internships, projects, and experiential learning opportunities
• Joint lectures, seminars, workshops, and site visits
• Faculty and student exchanges
• Industry engagement and collaboration with energy-sector partners
• Development of educational pathways and recruitment opportunities
• Joint funding proposals and externally supported projects
• Professional and workforce development initiatives

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, representatives from the ISE, SUU's Office of Workforce and Educational Opportunity, and SUU's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics will identify priority initiatives and begin developing the first collaborative activities under the agreement.

By combining the strengths of both institutions, the partnership seeks to prepare the next generation of energy professionals while supporting innovation in sustainable energy systems and geothermal development on both sides of the Atlantic.

"For decades, Iceland has demonstrated what geothermal energy can achieve at scale. Today, the United States is entering a new era of geothermal innovation," said Dr. Juliet Newson, Director of the Iceland School of Energy. "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."

"The signing of this agreement solidifies a relationship years in the making," explains Dr. Bill Heyborne, Dean of SUU's Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. "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."

About the Iceland School of Energy

The Iceland School of Energy (ISE) is a graduate school within the Department of Engineering at Reykjavik University. Drawing on Iceland's unique position as a global leader in renewable and geothermal energy, ISE delivers graduate education, professional training, and research opportunities for students from around the world. Through collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners, ISE works to prepare future leaders in sustainable energy and climate solutions.

About Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University is a public university located in Cedar City, Utah, United States. Through its Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and its Office of Workforce and Educational Opportunity, SUU is committed to expanding access to high-quality education, supporting workforce development, and building partnerships that create opportunities for students, employers, and communities.

About Reykjavik University

Reykjavik University is Iceland's largest private university, emphasizing science, engineering, technology, business, and law. The university is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with strong connections to industry and an international outlook that prepares students to address global challenges.

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