| Title | Geothermal Development in Iceland 2000-2004 |
|---|---|
| Authors | ¡rni Ragnarsson |
| Year | 2005 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Iceland, geothermal energy, district heating, direct use, power generation |
| Abstract | Because of the location of Iceland on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge the geothermal resources are abundant. Over half of the primary energy supply in the country comes from geothermal energy. The main use of geothermal energy is for space heating and about 87% of all houses are heated by this energy source. Other sectors of direct use are swimming pools, snow melting, industry, greenhouses and fish farming. An expansion in the energy intensive industry has led to rapid increase in electricity demand in the country. This has stimulated the development of geothermal power production and resulted in new plants under construction. Two of the largest energy companies in Iceland, Reykjavik Energy and Hitaveita Su?urnesja, both have a new power plant for electricity production under construction. The total capacity of these two plants plus an expansion being made at Nesjavellir power plant is approximately 200 MWe. This will double the existing capacity in the country. |