Energy case study

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Energy supply in Iceland

Background info:

Iceland's energy sources:

66% geothermal

15% hydro-electric energy

Overall 81% of sustainable energy

19% imported fossil fuels: coal, oil

Uses of geothermal energy:

Heating

Electricity generation

Fish farming

Snow melting

Industry

Swimming pools

Greenhouses

Why is Iceland able to use geothermal energy:

Located on Mid-Atlantic ridge (constructive plate boundary between North American and Eurasian plate)

Plates moving apart at 2 cm/year

This creates volcanic activity, rising heat in the gap

Hydro-electric power:

10 HEP power stations constructed since 1965

Extra energy can be sold as there's a surplus of it

HEP stations built on glacial rivers as they are fed by snow melting due to geothermal energy (water turns turbines)