| Title | Environmental Issues Related to the Building of New Power Plants in the Hengill Area |
|---|---|
| Authors | Einar Gunnlaugsson, Helgi Leifsson, Ingólfur Hrólfsson, Sigurgeir Björn Geirsson |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Environment, Hengill, Hellisheiði, Iceland |
| Abstract | At Reykjavik Energy environmental issues have always played important role when harnessing geothermal energy. Preparation for building a power plant at Hellisheiði began in 2002 by drilling of exploration wells. Recent volcanic fissures stretch through the field from SW to NE. Material from the crates had been used in the 1970´s when a new road was laid through the area. One of the issues described by Reykjavik Energy during EIA was to recreate the craters and volcanic fissure. Old aerial photos were used for the design, making it possible to approach the original form of the craters. Soil dumped from the construction of the power plant was used to reform the craters which were then coved by lava scoria. Research has been carried out with the purpose of finding solution of how to regain the original mountain vegetation. Emissions of geothermal gasses are a big issue. Attempts to separate the CO2 and H2S geothermal gases is been made where the plan is to use the carbon dioxide in sequestration forming calcite minerals and inject the hydrogen sulphide with the separation water. |