At Nesjavellir, the water is heated naturally by the Earth’s geothermal activity to very high temperatures. The hot water is then used to produce steam, which turns large turbines to generate electricity. The leftover hot water is also used to provide heating to homes in the nearby capital city, Reykjavik.
Geothermal energy
Iceland is renowned for its extensive use of geothermal energy, a key component of the country's energy strategy. The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station is one of the largest geothermal power plants in Iceland. It is located a short drive from the Hengill Geothermal Area. Iceland is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic activity is high. This power station takes advantage of the Earth's natural heat.
Iceland and geothermal energy: Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant
About 90% of Icelandic homes are heated using geothermal energy. In addition to heating, geothermal energy is used to generate electricity, with about 30% of the country's electricity coming from geothermal plants. Geothermal power in Iceland is used not just for heating and electricity, but also for things like greenhouse farming, fish farming, and popular spas like the Blue Lagoon.
This power station produces a lot of clean energy. It’s considered environmentally friendly because it doesn’t rely on burning fossil fuels like coal or oil, which can pollute the air. Instead, it uses the Earth’s heat, which is a renewable resource, meaning it won’t run out.
Iceland gets much of its energy from geothermal sources like Nesjavellir, which helps keep the environment clean and protects the planet from climate change. Iceland's success with geothermal energy sets a great example for other countries using renewable energy.
Watch: Rick Steves’ Iceland