Visiting Lecturers 2025
As part of the Six-Month Training at GRÓ GTP, an internationally renowned guest lecturer is invited as a Visiting Lecturer to give a lecture series and to have discussions with the current six-month fellows. Most lectures of previous Visiting Lecturers have been published by GTP and are available for download under publications.
This year, two visiting lecturers Dr. Marit Brommer, CEO of IGA and Angel Monroy, Energy Consultant at World Bank, will be sharing their knowledge and experience with our fellows through lectures and discussions on Geothermal Politics, Power, and Possibility, and Support of the World Bank to Geothermal Energy. The lectures are open to all interested and will be broadcast online. The visiting lecturers will be giving lectures and lead discussions according to the following schedule:
October 9th, 09:00-11:00
Speaker: Dr. Marit Brommer (CEO of IGA - International Geothermal Association)- Topic: "Geothermal in the Global Energy Mix: Politics, Power, and Possibility"
Geothermal is often described as the sleeping giant of renewable energy. Abundant, reliable, and sustainable, yet underutilized compared to solar and wind. Why is this the case, and what will it take for geothermal to play its rightful role in the global energy transition? This lecture explores geothermal’s position in the global energy mix today and in future scenarios for 2030 and 2050. Beyond technology and geology, it examines the political and regulatory forces that shape development: from national permitting rules and incentive schemes to international climate targets and energy security strategies. Through case studies in Kenya, Germany, and Indonesia, we will see how policy frameworks can make or break geothermal progress. We will then look at how countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Canada are beginning to reshape their permitting and governance systems to accelerate new growth. By connecting energy systems with political realities, Fellows will gain a broader perspective on geothermal’s role in society. The session encourages participants not only to master the science of the subsurface but also to understand - and ultimately influence - the policies and politics that bring geothermal energy to life.
- About the Speaker:
Dr. Marit Brommer is the Executive Director of the International Geothermal Association. She is focused on creating strong partnerships with international operating organisations and industries. Prior to taking on this role, Marit worked at Shell for 15 years as a subsurface portfolio manager. She has been actively spearheading the use of geothermal energy, by explaining its advantages, such as its always being available (not dependent on weather), cultivating momentum, in view of the urgency to decarbonize heating systems, and supporting the march towards a net-zero goal by 2050, set by most countries. She also advocates for the implementation of enabling policies which need to be incentivised by decision-makers. Marit’s dynamism and tireless efforts at enhancing the visibility of geothermal energy in the energy mix, are praise-worthy. She is constantly delivering convincing talks, interspersed with facts and figures, at different forums, participating in engaging discourses, and reaching out to concerned individuals for better governmental policies and financial incentives.
For further details on website
Zoom link to lecture
October 13th and 14th, 09:00-11:00
How the World Bank Supports Geothermal Energy: From Ideas to Projects
Speaker: Angel Monroy (World Bank)- Day 1 (October 13)
Topic: "Geothermal laws and regulations, the need and pitfalls"- A short introduction to the World Bank's history
- How the Bank engages with client countries
- The investment project cycle
Zoom link to lecture
- Day 2 (October 14):
Topic: "Energy and Geothermal Perspectives: Research Insights and Investment Experiences"- An introduction to ESMAP
- Examples of research conducted in geothermal energy
- Examples of investment projects
Zoom link to lecture
- About the Speaker:
Angel Fernando Monroy Parada is an energy specialist with over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, energy access, and the energy transition. He currently works as a Short-Term Consultant for the World Bank, where he supports analytical and operational projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on geothermal development, energy efficiency, natural gas, energy storage, subsidy reform, and regulatory frameworks. Before joining the World Bank, Monroy built his career at LaGeo S.A. de C.V., El Salvador’s geothermal utility. Over 15 years at the company, he advanced from mechanical engineer to senior leadership roles, serving as Chief Technical Officer and Project Manager of the 50 MW Chinameca geothermal project. In these roles, he directed strategic planning, managed multidisciplinary teams, oversaw drilling, engineering, and environmental-social programs, and led the development and implementation of major geothermal projects under international best practices and World Bank standards. He holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (El Salvador), an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Engineering from Reykjavik University (Iceland), and a specialization in Geothermal Utilization from the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme (Iceland). He has authored technical publications on geothermal power plant development and binary cycle operations, and in 2020 received the Geothermal Rising Young Professional Award for his contributions to the sector.
For further details on website
Location:
The lectures will take place at COWI (former Mannvit) in Urdarhvarf 6, 203 Kópavogur
(lecture-room on right side of the reception desk)
The lectures are open for everyone and free of charge and we encourage everyone who is interested in geothermal research and development to attend on this opportunity