Experience of the Development of Geothermal Energy on the Example of Iceland

Abstract

Data on the geothermal resource base of Iceland are presented: 25 high-temperature (temperature over 200°C at the bottom) and 250 low-temperature (150°C) deposits. The similarity of the geological conditions and the main characteristics of thermal water intakes in Iceland and Kamchatka krai of Russia is noted. The analysis of the legal support of geothermal energy in Iceland, as well as the activities of the state institution Orkustofnun for licensing, research of geothermal deposits, and the creation of the world’s largest library of geothermal literature, was carried out. The process of implementation of the IDDP state program for drilling and testing wells at the foot of the Krafla volcano at supercritical parameters (SCP) of fluids is described. The main characteristics of eight geothermal power plants (GeoPP) with a total capacity of 753 MW with electricity generation in 2021 of 6208 GW h are given and thermal schemes and cycles are described. It is indicated that the most powerful GeoPP in Iceland is Hellisheiði (303 МW), the geothermal coolant of which is supplied to Reykjavik, located at a distance of 19.5 km from it. This station is equipped with an installed system for the utilization of carbon dioxide into carbonate underground rocks. Power units with binary cycles were built at two GeoPPs: Husavik (2 MW) in the Kalina cycle and Svartsergi (7 × 1.2 MW) with organic coolant. It is noted that Iceland has the world’s largest geothermal heat generation (2373 MW, 9340 GW h (2021)), with heating predominating (1650 MW; 6840 GW h (2021)). The most powerful heat-supply system in the country and in the world, in Reykjavik, is described: its capacity is 1150 MW and the length is 2230 km. Data are presented on the nonenergy use of geothermal water in fish farms, swimming pools, greenhouses, and carbon dioxide utilization plants. It is concluded that the experience of Iceland is especially significant for the development of geothermal energy in Russia.