2. Iceland and Geothermal
• I mentioned Iceland only briefly in my paper, but
since it is my birth country I couldn’t think of a better
topic to discuss in my presentation!
• According to the National Energy Authority of
Iceland (Orkustofnon in Icelandic), Iceland began
the twentieth century as a poor country that was
reliant on imported energy. Presently, however, they
enjoy a high standard of living with a huge focus on
sustainable and renewable energy—that is where
geothermal energy comes in!
• Geothermal currently accounts for 66% of the
country’s energy needs.
3. How geothermal is used
in Iceland.
• Of the 66% of total energy usage, about 25% of
nation’s electricity needs are met by geothermal.
• 95% of the country’s water heating, and home
heating and air conditioning are provided by
geothermal as well.
• This electricity is produced and distributed by four
main plants:
o Hellisheiði Power Station
o Reykjanes Power Station
o Nesjavellir Power Station
o Svartsengi Power Station
o Krafla Power Station
4. A Quick Tour of One of
Iceland’s Power Stations-
Svartsengi
7. From Popular
Mechanics:
“From an outsider's
perspective, the inside of the
plant looks like a complicated
series of pipes. But producing
energy from steam is a very
basic science. The steam,
under pressure, is injected into
turbines, which spin to
produce energy. The leftover
water is then injected back
into the ground or sent
elsewhere”
13. A few facts about the Blue
Lagoon..
• It’s actually a water reservoir of the geothermal
plant and was created entirely by accident in 1976.
• The mineral-rich waters, and the silica mud lining
the bottom of the lagoon, are said to cure a variety
of ailments from psoriasis to arthritis
• The lagoon now boasts of variety of luxurious add-
on’s such as the spa and fine cuisine restaurant.
• The lagoon also has a line of skin care products that
are sold there and online, and can be shipped all
over the world.
• The lagoon is now recognized as one of the
wonders of the world.
16. And Beyond!
• The primary language spoken in Iceland is
Icelandic—the closest of the Nordic languages to
the original Norse spoken by the Vikings. The
majority of the population also speaks English and
Danish.
• The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik, which is
home to approximately 198,000 of the country’s
317,751 people.
• The currency of Iceland is the króna
• Iceland has the some of the best food on the
planet (I promise; I’m not biased at all!)
