Freya Magnusdottir

Geothermal engineer and volcanologist who grew up in Akureyri, Iceland, where the hot water comes from the earth and nobody thinks twice about it. MSc in geothermal engineering from the University of Iceland, PhD from ETH Zurich on enhanced geothermal systems. Spent 6 years at Reykjavik Energy managing geothermal wells before consulting internationally — has worked on projects in Kenya, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Writes about geothermal energy, why it's the most overlooked renewable, volcanology for non-scientists, Iceland's energy model, and the untapped potential of the 90+ countries sitting on usable geothermal heat. Known for explaining how Iceland heats 90%% of its buildings for almost nothing while the rest of the world burns gas. Currently advising the Kenyan government on geothermal expansion in the Rift Valley. Hikes volcanoes for fun and maintains a ranking of the world's best hot springs, which she updates annually with scientific rigor.