Iceland leads way in sustainable energy with groundbreaking geothermal projects

According to its article, EcoNews features that Iceland is rapidly advancing its role as a global leader in sustainable energy, thanks to its successful implementation of geothermal projects. 

Leveraging its vast geothermal energy potential, Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is setting new records in renewable energy production. Today, Iceland not only meets its own energy needs but also serves as a global example of harnessing the nearly limitless power beneath its surface. This article explores the latest developments in the country’s geothermal projects and the transformative results they are yielding.

Located near Mount Hengill, the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant is one of the largest of its kind in the world. With an electrical generation capacity of 303MW and a thermal capacity of 400MW, the plant underscores Iceland’s commitment to utilizing renewable energy sources. Since its construction between 2006 and 2011, the plant has played a key role in advancing sustainable energy practices in the country.

The origins of the plant trace back to 2002, when Orkuveita Reykjavíkur recognized Iceland's vast geothermal energy potential. Over the years, the site expanded, and by 2010, it had become a fully operational geothermal power station, leaving a significant environmental and structural mark. The facility now includes six high-pressure turbines and one low-pressure steam turbine, with water and steam sourced from 44 geothermal fluid wells.

The CCS project is both innovative and ambitious. In September, the Orca CCS initiative was launched at the Hellisheidi plant. Orca, the world’s largest direct air capture facility, utilizes the geothermal energy from Hellisheidi. This groundbreaking project extracts carbon dioxide from the air, combines it with water, and injects the resulting mixture underground, where it solidifies into stone, permanently trapping it.

Developed by the Dutch start-up, Orca’s modular design features eight collector units, capable of capturing 500 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The plant’s total capacity is 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, making it a revolutionary process not only for capturing carbon but also for ensuring its permanent storage. Orca’s success demonstrates how geothermal energy can integrate with carbon management solutions, creating a sustainable, long-term environmental impact.

Iceland’s use of geothermal energy goes beyond just electricity generation. The country has become a pioneer in circular economy practices, using geothermal resources in various sectors. One notable example is the HS Orka Resource Park, where multiple businesses capitalize on resources such as CO₂ from geothermal power plants, hot water, and electricity sourced from the same geothermal energy.

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland’s major tourist attractions, harnesses seawater already used for heating and power generation. Additionally, the park supports industries like aquaculture, biotech, cosmetics, and e-fuels, all benefiting from geothermal resources. This approach maximizes the use of Iceland’s geothermal energy while promoting innovation and sustainability. It also encourages other countries to adopt similar models, contributing to a more sustainable global economy.

Having achieved significant success with its geothermal projects, Iceland is now accelerating its circular economy model and sharing it with the world. The Icelandic government is actively promoting the creation of green industrial eco-parks and exploring opportunities in countries with geothermal potential. The United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand can all draw valuable lessons from Iceland’s approach to implementing these transformative changes.

One example is a geothermal power plant in Kenya, which may incorporate carbon storage technology developed by the Icelandic company Carbfix. Additionally, ON Power has formed partnerships with geothermal projects in China and Europe, demonstrating how Iceland’s expertise in geothermal energy can play a pivotal role in the global transition to renewable energy.

Iceland’s innovative approach to harnessing geothermal power, such as the Hellisheidi power plant, the Orca carbon capture project, and the Resource Park circular economy, showcases how the country has leveraged its natural resources to fuel sustainable energy solutions. By scaling up and exporting this model, Iceland has become a global leader in the renewable energy transition, setting an example for other nations to follow on the path to a more sustainable energy future.

By Naila Huseynova