Hellisheiði

Hellisheiði. It is a vast volcanic plateau and the site of the world's second-largest geothermal power station, located in Southwest Iceland. The area is part of the active Hengill volcanic system, situated approximately 20 kilometers east of the capital, Reykjavík. The development of the Hellisheiði Power Station has made it a cornerstone of Iceland's renewable energy infrastructure and a key site for carbon capture and storage research.

Geography and location

The plateau is situated within the broader Hengill area, a highly active volcanic region characterized by extensive fissure swarms and high geothermal gradients. It lies between the Þingvallavatn lake and the urban areas of Hafnarfjörður and Reykjavík, with its terrain consisting of rugged lava fields and sparse vegetation. The location's proximity to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge contributes to its immense geothermal resource potential. Key geographical features nearby include the Hveragerði geothermal town and the historic Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geothermal power plant

Operated by the utility company Orkuveita Reykjavíkur, the facility is a combined heat and power plant that generates electricity and provides hot water for district heating in the Capital Region. The plant utilizes high-pressure steam from numerous production wells drilled into the Hengill reservoir to power turbines supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. In addition to energy production, the site hosts the innovative CarbFix project, a partnership with University of Iceland and Columbia University, which injects carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into basaltic rock for permanent mineralization.

Environmental impact

While geothermal energy is far cleaner than fossil fuel alternatives, the plant's operations have presented challenges, including the emission of non-condensable gases like hydrogen sulfide and the potential for induced seismicity. The pioneering CarbFix project, developed in collaboration with the European Union and Reykjavik Energy, has significantly reduced atmospheric emissions by turning gases into stable carbonate minerals. Ongoing monitoring by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and research institutions assesses impacts on local groundwater and air quality near populated areas like Selfoss.

History and development

Exploration of the geothermal field began in the late 20th century, with test drilling confirming its viability following earlier developments at the Nesjavellir geothermal station. Construction of the current plant started in 2005, with the first phase commissioned in 2006; subsequent expansions continued through 2011 under the oversight of Orkuveita Reykjavíkur. The project was a direct response to growing energy demand from industries like the Alcoa Fjarðaál aluminium smelter and the need to expand the Reykjavík district heating system. The site's history is intertwined with Iceland's broader shift towards renewable energy following the 1973 oil crisis.

Economic significance

The power station is a critical asset for Iceland's economy, providing low-cost, renewable electricity to energy-intensive industries and ensuring stable heating for the Capital Region. Its output supports major industrial operations, including the Alcoa smelter and the Silicon metal plant at Grundartangi, reinforcing Iceland's position in global markets. The technology and expertise developed, particularly through the CarbFix project, have become valuable export commodities, with partnerships extending to companies like Climeworks and research bodies such as the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

Category:Power stations in Iceland Category:Geothermal power stations Category:Landforms of Iceland