Geothermal power in Iceland


Due to the geological location of Iceland, the high concentration of volcanoes in the area is often an advantage in the generation of geothermal energy, the heating and making of electricity. During winter, pavements near these areas are heated up.
Five major geothermal power plants exist in Iceland, which produce approximately 26.2% of the nation's electricity. In addition, geothermal heating meets the heating and hot water requirements of approximately 87% of all buildings in Iceland. Apart from geothermal energy, 73.8% of the nation's electricity is generated by hydro power, and 0.1% from fossil fuels. Hydrogen sulfide from geothermal energy may have impacted the health of Icelanders.
Consumption of primary geothermal energy in 2004 was 79.7 petajoules, approximately 53.4% of the total national consumption of primary energy, 149.1 PJ. The corresponding share for hydro power was 17.2%, petroleum was 26.3%, and coal was 3%. Plans are underway to turn Iceland into a 100% fossil-fuel-free nation in the near future. For example, Iceland's abundant geothermal energy has enabled renewable energy initiatives, such as Carbon Recycling International's carbon dioxide to methanol fuel process.
Geothermal energy also provides tourist attractions such as the Blue Lagoon. The geothermal water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi, to create electricity and hot water for nearby communities. This Blue Lagoon is entirely powered by geothermal energy.
The following are the six largest power stations in Iceland:
  1. Hellisheiði Power Station
  2. Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station
  3. Reykjanes Power Station
  4. Svartsengi Power Station
  5. Krafla Power Station
  6. Þeistareykir Power Station