On Power: Hot in Iceland

Geothermal energy is on display at an interactive exhibition at Hellisheði power plant

Iceland sits on a hotbed of renewable geothermal energy that, in part, powers the island. Iceland is one of the top 10 countries in the world in terms of geothermal installed capacity, with approximately 20 percent of the country’s electricity coming from geothermal energy. On a per capita basis, Iceland is the largest producer of geothermal energy. Travellers can learn about this fascinating energy source at the Hellisheiði power plant, which is just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. Visitors can opt to take an hour-long guided tour through the facility, learning about how Earth’s heat can be sustainably harnessed.

Important power source ON Power, which operates Hellisheiði, supplies half of Iceland with its electricity and half of the Reykjavík area with its heating. The process isn’t easy, but extremely worthwhile. Geothermal energy plants generate power by drilling holes about 2,000 metres deep into the Earth’s crust. They tap into groundwater that has met with bedrock that was heated by the Earth’s mantle. The water reaches a temperature of about 300°C, and the steam from the heated water powers turbines to generate heat and electricity.

Iceland’s unique location Geothermal energy is most productive at the meeting of the tectonic plates that make up the planet’s crust, which means that Iceland’s location is ideal as the island sits on the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. What Iceland lacks in terms of fossil fuels, is more than made up for in renewable geothermal energy. In Iceland today, about 90 percent of homes use geothermal energy for heat, and Iceland is the only country in the world where 100 percent of its electricity comes from renewable energy.

A focus on the environment ON Power is not only focused on providing heat and electricity to Iceland’s inhabitants. In fact, ON Power is committed to eliminating vehicle emissions in Iceland and the plant has been working on infrastructure for electric vehicles and charging stations. Carbon neutrality is a big focus, with ON Power executives believing that geothermal energy could be used for realistic and sustainable energy solutions. Just one example is their CarbFix project where CO2 is converted into minerals to prevent it from reaching the atmosphere.

Travellers are encouraged to visit the plant and learn about how Iceland, and ON Power, are trying to take on the challenge of climate change through renewable sources. Stop by Hellisheiði on your next visit to Iceland. – JG

Geothermal Exhibition Tel: (+354) 591 2880 www.geothermalexhibition.com exhibition@on.is www.onpower.is