Geothermal power in Iceland

Geothermal borehole outside the Reykjanes Power Station

Due to the special geological location of Iceland (over a rift in continental plates), the high concentration of volcanoes in the area is often an advantage in the generation of geothermal energy, the heating and production of electricity.[1] During winter, pavements near these areas (such as Reykjavik and Akureyri) are heated up. This causes heat to come to the surface.

Five major geothermal power plants exist in Iceland, which produce approximately 26.2% (2010)[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,[3] and 0.1% from fossil fuels.

Consumption of primary geothermal energy in 2004 was 79.7 petajoules (PJ), 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%.[4] Plans are underway to turn Iceland into a 100% fossil-fuel-free nation in the near future.[5] For example, Iceland's abundant geothermal energy has enabled renewable energy initiatives, such as Carbon Recycling International's carbon dioxide to methanol fuel process.[6] The following are the five largest power stations in Iceland.[7]

  1. Hellisheiði Power Station (303 MW)
  2. Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station (120 MW)
  3. Reykjanes Power Station (100 MW)
  4. Svartsengi Power Station (76.5 MW)
  5. Krafla Power Station (60 MW)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Icelandic Energy Portal
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ "Raforkuvinnsla". landsvirkjun.is. Archived from the original on 31 October 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "Energy in Iceland - Historical Perspective, Present Status, Future Outlook" (PDF). Orkustofnun (Iceland Energy Authority). Retrieved 2006-09-20.
  5. ↑ "Energy Statistics in Iceland" (PDF). Orkustofnun (Iceland Energy Authority). Retrieved 2006-09-20.
  6. ↑ "Technology". Carbon Recycling International. 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  7. ↑ Icelandic Energy Portal

External links

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