| Title | Geothermal for Resilient Cities: Managing Dual-Demand in Urban CHP Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Authors | H.Æ. Oddsdottir, E. Vilmarsson, H.H. Rognvaldsson |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) operates two geothermal combined heat and power (CHP) plants that supply both electricity and district heating to Iceland’s capital region. These plants utilize geothermal fluid to simultaneously meet two essential public needs: electricity and hot water. While this dual role offers high efficiency, it also introduces operational complexity, particularly during extreme cold periods when demand for both outputs peaks. This case study presents the response of ON’s CHP plants during a cold month in Iceland, when temperatures plummeted and heating demand surged. During this period, ON strategically reduced electricity production to prioritize hot water supply. This decision, guided by legal obligations and social responsibility, highlights a critical feature of geothermal infrastructure: its capacity to adapt production to meet variable public needs in real time. We examine how this operational flexibility supports urban energy resilience, what trade-offs it involves, and why geothermal CHP should be evaluated not only on energy output but also on its role in securing public welfare. In the context of growing urbanization and more extreme weather events, we argue that geothermal CHP plants offer a valuable form of adaptive infrastructure. By highlighting the importance of system-level thinking, this presentation invites discussion on how geothermal systems embedded in the built environment can balance efficiency, flexibility, and societal impact. |