Iceland is a pioneer in the use of geothermal energy for space heating. Generating electricity with geothermal energy has increased significantly in recent years. Geothermal power facilities currently generate 25% of the country’s total electricity production. Geothermal energy in Iceland is used in diverse ways, including being harnessed for heating and the production of electricity. The energy comes rather cheap. So, in the wintertime, some sidewalks in Reykjavík and Akureyri are heated, and on the 40 km long road between Reykjavik and the International Airport at Keflavík, the lights on the lamp posts are on the whole night. Geothermal water is used to heat around 90% of Iceland’s homes, and keeps pavements and car parks snow-free in the winter. Hot water from the springs is cooled and pumped from boreholes that vary between 200 and 2,000m straight into the taps of nearby homes, negating the need for hot water heating. It’s also purified and cooled to provide cold drinking water.
References:
“Geothermal Energy Information, Geothermal Power Facts – National Geographic.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
“In Iceland, Magma Used To Create Geothermal Power For First Time.” ThinkProgress In Iceland Magma Used To Create Geothermal Power For First Time Comments. N.p., 04 Feb. 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
“Let’s Stay Connected.” How Do Thermoelectric Coolers Work? (TEC). N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
