Green energy
Iceland is very rich in renewable energy resources. The enormous creation of knowledge in green energy has made us unique in the world. Hellisheiði power plant in southern Hengill, 30 km / 18 mi from Reykjavík, is an example of a world-class geothermal power plant, both in terms of solutions and size. It is one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world. It is owned by ON, Orka náttúrunnar, a subsidiary of Orkuveita Reykjavíkur and started in 2006. It produces 200 MW of heat and 303 MW of electricity. It is the equivalent of 900 litres per second of hot water to heat houses and swimming pools in the capital area. The power plant has drilled more than 40 boreholes, usually 2 km deep. Geothermal fluid, a mixture of steam and water, flows out of the holes. This liquid is collected in a separation station. From there, steam and water go through two separate supply conduits to the power plant, on the one hand to the power station and the other hand to the heating station to produce district heating water.
Hellisheiði 19/01/2022 09:58 / 10:46 : A7C – A7R IV : FE 1.8/14mm GM / FE 1.2/50mm GM
Photos and text: Páll Stefánsson
