Due to the special geological location of Iceland, the high concentration of volcanoes in the area is often an advantage in the generation of geothermal and hydropower energy, making Reykjavik one of the most energy-efficient cities in the world. About 80% of total primary energy supply in Iceland is derived from domestically produced renewable energy sources, with the remainder being imported fossil fuels (mainly oil), but renewable energy accounts for 100% of electricity production (70% hydropower and 30% geothermal), with fossil fuels only being used for automobiles and ship consumption. The main use of geothermal energy is for space heating with the heat being distributed to buildings through extensive district-heating systems. About 85% of all houses in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy. Geothermal springs are tapped to generate this energy for Icelanders' homes, with water from the plants also feeding nearby thermal spa baths (popular recreation in Iceland), where the warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur.
Hydrogen Power
Currently, imported oil fulfils most of Iceland's remaining energy needs. This cost has caused Iceland to focus on domestic, renewable energy. In 1999 Icelandic New Energy was established to govern the project of transitioning Iceland into the first hydrogen society by 2050. This followed a decision in 1998 by the Icelandic Parliament to convert vehicle and fishing fleets to hydrogen produced from renewable energy. Iceland provides an ideal location to test the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source for the future, since it is a small country. The relatively small scale of the infrastructure will make it easier to transition the country from oil to hydrogen. There is also a plentiful supply of natural energy that can be harnessed to produce hydrogen in a renewable way, making it perfect for hydrogen production. However, these factors also make Iceland an advantageous market for electric vehicles. Because electric vehicles are becoming available sooner than hydrogen vehicles, the country may switch to electric vehicles. Plus, Iceland already converts its surplus electricity into exportable goods and hydrocarbon replacements. In 2002 it produced 2,000 tons of hydrogen gas by electrolysis—primarily for the production of ammonia for fertilizer.
Geothermal Pump Stations : Architectural Design by PK Arkitektar
In 1990, the city of Reykjavik hosted an open competition to develop pump stations to house the various hot springs throughout the city. The structure houses the mechanism on top of the well, that pumps the hot water to a central control from where it is distributed throughout the city. The Geothermal Pump Station is a 14 sqm steel structure constructed of two stainless steel clad curvilinear walls separated by a door at each end. It was prefabricated off site at a fabrication shop and transported in one piece to the hot water wells. Currently, these stations litter the urban fabric, standing as a symbol of the city of Reykjavik and its' committment to the use of natural resources.
