Energy

Question 1

Energy supply in Iceland

Answer 1

Iceland is often considered the most successful country in the world in terms of its energy mix, as the majority of the country’s energy (85%) is derived from environmentally friendly, renewable sources.
Geothermal energy provides about 65% of energy, the share of hydropower is 20%, and the share of
fossil fuels (mainly oil products for the transport sector) is 15%.

Question 2

Geothermal energy: Iceland

Answer 2

Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which makes it one of the most tectonically active places in the world.

Located on Hengill volcano in the South of Iceland, Hellisheidi is the largest geothermal power station
in Iceland and the second largest in the world. Hellisheidi was created to provide heat and power to the capital city, Reykjavik.

Question 3

Use of geothermal energy in Iceland

Answer 3

Steam fields are used to heat swimming pools, such as Iceland’s famous tourism attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Geothermal energy is also used to heat greenhouses, Iceland is able to produce 60% of its fruits and vegetables due to this.

The main use of geothermal energy is for heating, with the heat being distributed to buildings through extensive district-heating systems.

Reykjavik has the largest district heating system across the globe, and 90% of all households in Iceland are heated by geothermal energy. Pipes under Reykjavik are used to heat homes and water

Question 4

Hydro power: Iceland

Answer 4

Hydro power is harnessed through the use of fast flowing water to turn a turbine to generate electricity.

Glacial rivers and waterfalls are both plentiful in Iceland, making it an ideal location for harnessing hydropower.

Question 5

Wind power: Iceland

Answer 5

The Atlantic also gives the island a long fetch for wind power. In 2012, two wind turbines were installed in South Iceland.

Icewind is also an Icelandic company that specializes in designing wind turbines that can be used in extreme environments.

Question 6

Advantages of Iceland’s geothermal energy: Iceland

Answer 6

Clean energy - does not lead to air pollution.

Once set up- It’s also relatively inexpensive; savings from direct use can be as much as 80 percent over
fossil fuels.

Creates an energy surplus- there is a proposal to construct a 600-mile power line between Iceland and the United Kingdom to export Iceland’s abundant geothermal power.

If countries like Iceland are able to successfully export their supply of renewable energy to other regions throughout the world, then geothermal energy might prove to be a giant step toward mitigating global climate change.

Geothermal energy can be generated consistently throughout the 24-hour day.

Question 7

Disadvantages of Iceland’s geothermal energy:

Answer 7

Expensive to set up power stations- requires high investments in machinery.

Hellisheidi Power Station plans to increase its number of turbines which will cost $197 million. Construction of a plant & well drilling costs ~ €2-5 million per generated MW of electricity.

The power stations are ugly.

Confined to certain geographical locations.

Release of hydrogen sulphide, a gas that smells like rotten egg at low concentrations

Another concern is the disposal of some geothermal fluids, which may contain low levels of toxic materials.

If not done with adequate care, enhanced geothermal systems can trigger earthquakes, severely affecting land stability & putting nearby areas at risk – potential threat to settlements.