Who we are

Who we are

Based in Chania, the Institute of GeoEnergy (IG) is oriented to basic and applied research on energy production and energy transition, especially regarding the fields of green energy, environment, and conventional fuels’ carbon footprint reduction. Established by Law 4589/2019 (A’ 13) as Institute of Petroleum Research (FORTH/IPR), as one of the newest research structures of Foundation of Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), which according to the article 76 of Law 4864/2021 was renamed to Institute of GeoEnergy.

Among the basic principles of the Institute are the excellence, the evolution, the possibility of developing innovative tools and products, the control of the scientific and documented correctness of its views, the quality and stability in energy supply, the environmental protection and responsibility, the continuous effort to improve the conditions of human life in society, in the most sustainable way. Its main scientific focus follows 3 directions. 

The strategic goal of FORTH/IG is to become a reference point for the Eastern Mediterranean region, in the field of Sustainable Development and Exploitation of Energy Resources.

Oriented to the research and development of methods and techniques for the exploration of geological formations, suitable for the generation and production of organogenic energy resources, the development of innovative methods for their production and transportation, the production of conventional fuels with minimal carbon footprint and the development of technologies for carbon dioxide capture and storage.

We focus on understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy resource exploitation. Our research encompasses the monitoring and assessment of environmental pollution, the development of bioremediation strategies, and nature-based solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions. We also advance innovative materials and technologies that enable energy and resource reuse within a circular-economy framework. 

Oriented towards the development of innovative technologies related to the reduction of the carbon footprint of the energy mixture using hydrogen, geothermal energy, green fuels (biogas, methanol, ethanol, ammonia) and the optimization of the structure and operation of energy systems.

 

 

Groups of Excellence

Our goals

The Institute has organized several Groups of Excellence, comprising internal researchers alongside prominent Greek scientists from various institutions. These "Collaborating Faculty Members" work intensively and collaboratively toward the following goals:

Fossil Fuels, Biomass, and Environmental Management Group

This group focuses on geological and petroleum research, particularly concerning the environmental extraction of fossil fuels. It investigates hydrocarbon pollution in deep seas and coastal zones. Key topics include the exploitation of geothermal energy, the mass storage of CO2 in natural reservoirs, technologies to manage emissions from fossil fuel usage, and bio-refinery processes aimed at converting biomass into energy, chemicals, and other valuable materials.

Energy Transition & Advanced CO2 and Natural Resources Management Group

This group develops technologies for converting CO2 into useful chemicals and fuels within a circular economy framework. It focuses on transforming biogas and natural gas into hydrogen, synthesis gas for the petrochemical industry, and other refined chemical products. Their methods include catalytic, photo-electro-catalytic, biochemical, and biomimetic processes. The group's research also encompasses energy management in buildings and urban environments to enhance energy efficiency.

Hydrogen Technologies Group

This group's research focuses on hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization. They develop green hydrogen through renewable energy water splitting and blue/turquoise hydrogen from natural gas and biomass with CO2 capture. The team studies solid-state hydrogen storage and conversion into carriers like ammonia, methane, and methanol. They also explore geological storage methods. With Crete's favorable location and climate, the Institute aims to lead in advancing hydrogen technologies, essential for the Energy Transition.

Energy Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Group

This group specializes in developing a wide range of nanostructured materials with specialized properties for applications in energy, environmental science, biomedicine, electronics, and more. They design nanomaterials with tailored properties to address the needs of the other groups, including two-dimensional sheet materials, carbon nanostructures, organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites, catalytic and electrocatalytic materials, nanoporous filters, biomimetic materials, and biocatalysts.

Scale-up, Automatic Control, and Process Optimization Group

This group synthesizes the individual research results from the aforementioned groups, designing and developing comprehensive energy cycle and material recycling processes. They focus on scaling these processes up, integrating automatic control, optimizing operations, and providing technical-economic studies and life cycle analyses. Their aim is to produce research outcomes with a high level of technological readiness (TRL) that are ready for commercialization through spin-off companies developed by the Institute/FORTH.