Hellisheidi

Hellisheidi is a lava field in southwest Iceland, forming part of the Hengill volcanic system. It lies to the east of Reykjavik and is characterized by rugged terrain, postglacial lava flows, and geothermal manifestations such as steam vents and hot springs. The name Hellisheiði means “hell’s heath” in Icelandic, reflecting the dramatic landscape.

The field is best known for the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant (Hellisheiðarvirkjun), one of the world’s largest geothermal facilities. The plant uses geothermal fluids from the Hengill system to generate electricity and supplies heat to Iceland’s district heating networks. Since its initial development in the early 2000s, the facility has expanded to increase its capacity and output, making it a central component of Iceland’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Geothermal activity in Hellisheidi is part of a broader energy-producing zone that includes other installations in the Hengill complex. The area’s infrastructure includes power lines, pipelines, and access roads that support energy production and distribution. Beyond its role in electricity generation, Hellisheidi is a site of ongoing energy research and demonstration projects related to sustainable use of geothermal resources. Environmental management efforts in the area focus on balancing energy production with the preservation of natural features, groundwater protection, and the mitigation of landscape impacts.