Krafla Magma Testbed: Unlocking Earth’s Superhot Geothermal Future
Building the world’s first superhot geothermal testbed — where science meets impact to power a cleaner, safer world.
Who we are?
At KMT, scientists, engineers, and visionaries work side by side to explore superhot geothermal systems and advance magma research — unlocking the immense energy and knowledge hidden deep beneath the Earth. Together, we’re transforming this superhot geothermal power into clean, reliable energy that supports the global transition toward a sustainable, net-zero future.
KMT Vision
Superhot geothermal energy often forms in magma-hosted systems — and KMT will be the first place in the world where humanity can study and unlock this resource safely. Our vision is to pioneer the technologies and knowledge needed to harness superhot geothermal power for clean, firm energy and a sustainable future.
Mission
Our mission is simple and urgent: to turn Earth’s superhot geothermal energy into clean, reliable power — a breakthrough that can reshape how the world meets its climate and energy goals.
VOLCANO MONITORING
Volcanic hazards transcend national boundaries. By drilling and instrumenting in magma, KMT will revolutionize volcano monitoring, leading to ground-breaking outcomes on how the world reads signs of volcanic unrest. This will result in a leap in civil protection measures for the 800 million people who live within 100 km of an active volcano.
GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL
Experiments at the rock-magma boundary will vastly improve our knowledge of the roots of geothermal systems, leading to new discoveries on potential energy extraction directly from magma. Coupled with cutting-edge drilling technology, this will dramatically change the economics of geothermal energy and improve energy security.
GEOSCIENCE KNOWLEDGE
Magma chambers remain a mystery for geoscientists. KMT will unearth magma samples and provide direct observations that will enable us to better understand magma. This will allow us to examine the real properties of the Earth’s deep interior and develop new models about how the planet works. Our communities will acquire, and benefit from, a new understanding of magma dynamics, modernising future geosciences efforts.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
KMT provides the perfect opportunity for innovation by developing and testing new technologies, methods, materials and instruments. This new technology frontier will allow us to improve magma-monitoring techniques for volcanology, harness magma heat in volcanic provinces worldwide, and advance geothermal engineering in superhot (~900°C) environments.
Why Krafla matters?
Krafla is where humanity meets the living Earth — a rare place where heat, pressure, and curiosity combine to reveal how our planet breathes and how we might thrive with it.
Superhot geothermal power — up to 10× more efficient
Superhot geothermal systems can generate up to ten times more power than conventional wells — unlocking clean, firm energy for a sustainable future.
Essential for global climate and energy goals
Superhot geothermal energy delivers clean, firm power that supports the world’s path to net-zero and strengthens energy security.
A global blueprint for the future of energy
KMT’s open-science model sets a foundation for how nations can collaborate on superhot geothermal innovation and the global energy transition.
Forging global partnerships in superhot geothermal research
Partners KMT is proud to collaborate with leading organizations including Reykjavik Energy, Landsvirkjun, the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP), anda growing network of universities and industry leaders.
Be part of the breakthrough — help fund the world’s first magma testbed.
The time is now to back the science that can redefine how the world powers itself. Join us in creating the first window into magma — and with it, a path to limitless, clean energy.