To reduce dependency on costly fossil fuels, Iceland began its transition to renewable energy in the early 1970s

Since then, the country has steadily become the world’s largest per capita green energy producer.

Nearly 85% percent of its electricity is generated by renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy, and most of its homes are heated with geothermal heat piped in from the earth’s interior.

Nestled in the dramatic Icelandic landscape, the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant stands as a testament to human ingenuity harnessing the Earth’s natural forces. 

Located just a short distance from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, this remarkable facility has been generating clean and renewable energy for both the city and its surroundings since 2006.

The Power of Geothermal Energy

Iceland is a land of stark natural beauty, characterized by its volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. This unique geological landscape also makes the country a hotspot for geothermal energy production.

At the heart of the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant is the ingenious process of harnessing geothermal energy. The plant drills deep into the Earth’s crust to access hot water reservoirs. 

These underground pockets of water are heated by the Earth’s mantle and can reach temperatures exceeding 500°F. 

When brought to the surface, this superheated water is released into steam separators, where the pressure drop causes the water to flash into steam. This high-pressure steam is then used to turn turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Environmental Benefits

One of the key advantages of geothermal power generation is its minimal environmental impact:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant is a champion in the fight against climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases when burned, geothermal energy produces almost no direct emissions. This significantly reduces Iceland’s carbon footprint, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
2. Sustainable Resource: Geothermal energy is a renewable resource if the rate of extraction does not exceed the rate of heat replenishment in the Earth’s crust. Iceland has carefully managed its geothermal resources, ensuring the sustainability of the Hellisheidi plant’s operations for generations to come.
3. Local Environmental Impact: Geothermal plants like Hellisheidi have a minimal impact on the local environment compared to traditional power plants. They do not rely on large fuel shipments, nor do they produce the air and water pollution associated with coal or natural gas plants.

The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant serves as another example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By harnessing the Earth’s natural heat, Iceland has not only reduced its reliance on fossil fuels but is also a showcase for clean energy production worldwide.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, projects like Hellisheidi offer hope and inspiration. With the right technology, innovation and a commitment, a transition towards a greener, more sustainable future is possible for generations to come.

For The Good
Michael Nichols

Numbers to Know

92 Billion

In 2021, 27 countries, including the United States, generated about 92 billion kWh of electricity from geothermal energy (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

10%

Geothermal power plants produce baseloade electricity consistently, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With continued innovation and strong industry adoption, geothermal could meet more than 10% of U.S. electricity demand(Energy.gov)

1%

The geothermal contribution to the worlds energy mix is less than 1%. (Stanford University)

What’s New in Sustainable Investing

Geothermal Power Market is anticipated to hit USD 6.8 billion by 2026

The global geothermal power market was valued at $4.6 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2019 to 2026.(Newswires)

Biden ESG rule survives challenge in court

But the most significant victory for the White House likely isn’t in upholding the legal substance of its rule; instead, it’s in the messaging around use of ESG investment funds in 401(k) plans, according to retirement experts. (CNBC)

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