Fascinating Facts about Geothermal Systems

is the largest geothermal power plant. It is located 177 metres above sea level in the south-western part of the country, near Þingvellir and the Hengill volcano.

Plans for utilizing the Nesjavellir area for geothermal power and water heating began in 1947 -- some boreholes were drilled to evaluate the area's potential for power generation. Research continued from 1965 to 1986. In 1987, the construction of the plant began, and the cornerstone was laid in May 1990. The station produces approximately 120 megawatts (MW) of electrical power, and delivers around 1800 litres of hot water per second, servicing the Greater Reykjavík Area's hot water needs.

Iceland's, Nesjavellir

The first recorded geothermal system was a 1912 Swiss patent. The ground absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy that reaches planet Earth. This amount of energy represents 500 times more than mankind needs every year.

About half a million geothermal systems have been installed since 1980.

Installing a geothermal system in a typical home is equal, in greenhouse gas reduction, to planting an acre of trees, or taking two cars off the road.

Current geothermal installations save more than 14 million barrels of crude oil per year.

If one in 12 California homes installed a geothermal system, the energy saved would equal the output of nine new power plants.

Geothermal Facts