jarðvarma

Jarðvarmi refers to heat derived from the Earth’s interior that can be exploited for energy, heating, and direct uses. In Icelandic usage the term broadly covers geothermal energy, including natural hot springs, steam vents, and the reservoirs of hot water and steam beneath volcanic regions.

Geologically, geothermal resources form where groundwater circulates through hot rocks heated by magmatic activity. When heat is sufficient, water can reach high temperatures and produce steam; such resources can be tapped by wells for electricity generation or direct-use heating. The character of a given resource depends on conductivity, pressure, and the amount of heat available.

Uses of jarðvarmi include direct applications such as district heating, swimming pools and spa facilities, greenhouse heating, and industrial processes. Electricity generation relies on turbines driven by steam or high-temperature water, often with reinjection of cooled fluids to maintain reservoir pressure and sustainability. Geothermal energy systems are known for relatively low direct greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, though they can release some gases and minerals from the subsurface.

In Iceland, jarðvarmi has been central to the nation’s energy strategy, powering a substantial portion of heating needs and contributing to electricity production. Notable facilities include Hellisheiði, Nesjavellir, and the Reykjanes Geothermal Power Plant, which illustrate the role of geothermal resources in the country’s energy mix.

Environmental considerations include emissions of hydrogen sulfide, land use, and subsidence risks, which are mitigated through emission controls, reinjection, and careful reservoir management. Overall, jarðvarmi remains a core component of Iceland’s approach to sustainable, low-emission energy.