| Abstract |
Hengill is amongst the largest high-temperature geothermal areas in Iceland and boasts spectacular natural and geological features as well as cultural remains. Located at the Reykjavik’s periphery, Hengill is a popular recreational area enjoyed year-round. Hengill is also home to Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði co-generative geothermal power plants producing a combined 423 MWe and 433 MWth. Both are operated by ON Power. In 2017 an independent tourism research centre conducted an attitude survey amongst recreational users at Hengill. The objective of the survey was to: • establish a comparison of attitudes towards energy development at Hengill and other energy utilization areas subject to the Icelandic Master Plan for Nature Protection and Energy Utilization (R3) • establish an understanding of attitudes towards current energy development at Hengill and a comparison with earlier surveys conducted at Hengill, notably in 2001 and 2006. The results of the survey were in some ways unexpected and deviated from both theories in tourism and energy development and results of comparative surveys. Results from R3 conclude that sites with no energy development infrastructure scored higher in satisfaction with nature and stay in the area than sites with infrastructure from e.g. research boreholes. However, Hengill scored similar or higher than sites with no energy development. This is a curious contradiction as a great majority of participants noticed various structures en route. Furthermore, most participants found unspoiled nature to be a part of the attraction of the area and visited it for that exact reason. Another interesting conclusion was that 9 out 10 Icelandic participants state that energy development at Hengill does not affect their interest in visiting the area. In comparison results from the 2001 survey, conducted before Hellisheiði was commissioned, suggested that over 50% of Icelandic participants would lose interest in visiting the area with further energy development at Hengill. |