Jarðvarmaorka

Jarðvarmaorka, or geothermal energy, is heat derived from the Earth that is harnessed for electricity generation and direct use, such as district heating. In Iceland, geothermal resources are abundant due to the country’s location atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making geothermal energy a central element of the national energy system.

Extraction and use involve drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs to access hot water or steam. Steam drives turbines to produce electricity, while hot water is distributed through district heating networks to homes, institutions, and industries. Direct-use applications include greenhouse heating, fish farming, hot pools, and industrial processes.

Geological and infrastructural context: Iceland has invested in both large-scale geothermal power plants and extensive direct-use facilities. Notable plants include Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir, among others. Geothermal energy complements hydroelectric power, contributing to a high-reliability, low-emission energy supply.

Environmental considerations: Geothermal power emits far less greenhouse gas than fossil fuels, but non-condensable gases such as CO2 and H2S can be released from reservoirs. Local environmental impacts include land use, water management, and potential induced seismicity in some areas if reservoirs are stressed. Proper reservoir management aims to balance energy output with resource sustainability.

Advantages and challenges: Geothermal energy provides renewable, baseload capacity with potential for affordable heating and electricity. Challenges include reservoir cooling, scaling and corrosion in infrastructure, and the need for careful monitoring to avoid resource depletion and environmental impacts.

Ongoing development: Iceland continues to expand geothermal capacity while advancing technologies to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and mitigate environmental effects.