| Abstract |
Utilization of geothermal energy has played a major role in the energy supply of Iceland for many decades. The country's geological characteristics related to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge have endowed the country with an abundant supply of geothermal resources. The share of geothermal energy in the primary energy supply of Iceland is about 68%. The utilization of geothermal water for house heating and other direct uses started early in the twentieth century. Space heating is by far the most important direct utilization, covering 90% of all energy used for house heating in the country. Other sectors of direct use are swimming pools, snow melting, industry, greenhouses and fish farming. The total annual direct use of geothermal energy is estimated to be about 26,700 TJ (7,417 GWh). Geothermal electricity generation started 45 years ago and after a rapid growth during the last 15 years, mainly due to increased demand in the energy intensive industry, it has now reached 29% of the total electricity generation in the country. The total installed capacity is now 663 MWe and the annual generation about 5,245 GWh. After a brief description of the geological background of geothermal utilization in Iceland and the main characteristics of the geothermal resources the paper discusses each of the utilization sectors as well as ongoing research activities and prospects for future development. |