Geothermal Energy

• Iceland formed along the mid Atlantic Ridge due to the separation of the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
• At the North American and Eurasian plate constructive boundary magma rises to the surface and cools and hardens.
• Volcanic activity has allowed Iceland to build geothermal power stations.
• Energy can be harnessed as underground rocks can reach temperatures of 1000 degrees Celsius.
• Underground rocks can reach temperatures of 1000 degrees Celsius. As a result ground water is superheated.
• In total, 30 high temperature spots have been identified in Iceland, where groundwater temperatures reach over 200 degree.
• In the Hengill volcano in the south of Iceland temperatures in the underground igneous rock can reach 200 degrees Celsius.
• Cold water is pumped into wells that have been drilled into the igneous rock in Iceland.
• The water is heated and turned to steam. The steam returns to the surface via another set of wells.
• The steam is funnelled through turbines causing them to turn and generate electricity.
• A number of electrical power plants have been built nearby the turbines
• • The steam is then piped to another power plant nearby where it is used to heat the water in a lake.
• Once the water has been heated to 80 degrees it is piped to homes and businesses in Reykjavik where it is used for central heating.
• Geothermal energy meets the heating and hot water requirements of approximately 87% of buildings in Iceland.
• The hot water is piped to greenhouses to assist in the growth of flowers and vegetables.
• The geothermal energy system enables production to occur all year round in Iceland.
• Iceland does not have any reserves of coal, oil or gas and geothermal energy reduces the need for fuel imports. This benefits the country’s economy.
• Geothermal energy is also being harnessed in the Philippines, where 30% of electricity needs came from geothermal sources in 2010