THE USE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN GENERAL

Introduction

The nine students of SŠGT Maribor are doing their 3-week-Erasmus practice in hotels and restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland, from 13^th June to 4^th July, 2026. 

On the 25^th of June, 2026 our nine students visited the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, an hour drive from Reykjavik. The trip was very interesting and educational, because we do not have such energy plants in Slovenia, and it was a great opportunity to see it in person.

Why are geothermal power plants in Iceland important?

Almost the whole Reykjavik gets hot water and eco-friendly energy from the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant. 40% of obtained energy is used for electric generation, 43% for space heating, 4% for swimming-pools and bathing, 9% for agriculture, aquaculture, industry, and 4% for other uses. 

The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant has six high-pressure turbines, as well as one low-pressure turbine. Hot steam from boreholes drives the turbine that spins around 3000 rpm. The turbine axle is connected to a generator that generates electricity. 

How are the dangerous gases, like CO2, dissolved?

The interesting fact is, that the extracted gases of the Power Plant are dissolved in the disposal water of the plant and reinjected into the earth. Carbon dioxide accounts for 0.3% of the geothermal liquids that go into the Plant, but by mixing it with water, just like the mineral water is created, and pumping it into basaltic bedrock, the carbon dioxide is transformed into rock, becoming a mineral called calcite. The hydrogen sulphide turns into pyrite and is often called fool’ s gold because of its resemblance to gold. 

Conclusion

The visit to the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant showed us how geothermal energy can provide a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity and heating. We learned that modern technology can not only produce clean energy but also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by storing them safely underground. This experience helped us better understand the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change.

Although geothermal energy is not available everywhere, every country should make the best possible use of its own renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment. Investing in sustainable energy solutions today will help create a cleaner, healthier, and more secure future for generations to come.