Jarðolíuvörum

Jarðolíuvörum is an Icelandic term that translates to "geothermal oil products" or more broadly, "geothermal byproducts." It refers to the various substances and materials that can be extracted or utilized from geothermal fluids and reservoirs. These are not typically fossil fuels like petroleum, but rather a range of compounds and elements found in the hot, mineral-rich water and steam that originate from the Earth's interior.

Common examples of jarðolíuvörum include dissolved minerals such as silica, sulfur compounds, and various salts. These can be recovered for industrial or commercial purposes. For instance, silica extracted from geothermal fluids has applications in the production of cement, ceramics, and even cosmetics. Sulfur can be a valuable commodity. In some instances, geothermal energy extraction processes can also release gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, which may be captured and utilized or treated before being released.

The utilization of jarðolíuvörum is often integrated with geothermal power generation. As geothermal plants operate, the extracted fluids are processed, and this processing creates opportunities to isolate and benefit from the dissolved components. Iceland, with its extensive geothermal resources, has been at the forefront of developing technologies to extract and process these byproducts, aiming to maximize the value derived from its geothermal energy sector and promote a circular economy. The concept is part of a broader effort to harness all potential benefits from natural resources.