| Title | Concentration of Hydrogen Sulfide from Geothermal Power Plants in the vicinity of Reykjavik City, Iceland, 2007-2009 |
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| Authors | S. Olafsdottir, S. M. Gardarsson and H. Armannsson |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Hydrogen Sulfide, Geothermal Power Plants, air pollution, weather factors |
| Abstract | Gases emitted from geothermal power plants are among the key environmental factors of concern for the development of geothermal power plants. Sulfur gases are of most concern but also trace gas and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Sulfur is emitted from geothermal areas as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and when the areas are developed the emission is increased. H2S is a volatile compound that may be oxidized in the atmosphere. Several environmental factors influence the H2S oxidation rate, such as radiation, precipitation, temperature and concentration of other chemicals. Geothermal power production in the vicinity of Reykjavik City has increased considerably during the last few years. Electricity production at Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant started in 1998 and in October 2006 the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant started operation and was enlarged in the fall of 2008. The Department of Environment of Reykjavik City started measuring hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration at Grensasvegur Street in February 2006. In August 2007 H2S measurements started in Hvaleyrarholt, Hafnarfjördur, and in June 2008 in Kopavogur town. The main objective of this paper is to shed light on which parameters influence the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in Reykjavik City and its surroundings. |