Settled near Mount Hengill in Iceland, the Hellisheidi geothermic power plant is recognized as one of the globe’s biggest geothermic sites. With a shared capacity of 303 MW of electricity as well as 400 MW of thermal energy it is a testimony to advance in sustainable energy.

Since its launch between 2006 and 2011 Hellisheidi has remained fundamental in developing environmental energy solutions backing local communities as well as international climate objectives.

Initial turbines introduced in 2006: The beginning of Hellisheidi’s transformation

Hellisheidi journey started in 2002 when Orkuveita Reykjavíkur decided to utilize Iceland’s geothermic capability. “Our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability drove the decision to invest in geothermal power,” said a Orkuveita Reykjavíkur representative. After executing study drilling in 2001, the initial stage began in 2006 with the induction of 2 high pressure turbines, indicating the start of a revolutionary development.

By 2010, Hellisheidi had progressed into a completely functional geothermic plant with the additive of a hot water generation system. “These initiatives have contributed to the development of a whole region around the reservoir,” said the facility’s management, emphasizing the positive influence on local infrastructure. The building of a 19.5 km-long pre-insulated pipeline to provide hot water to Reykjavik demonstrated this dedication to provincial expansion.

The facility’s design includes 6 high-pressure turbines as well as 1 low-pressure steam turbine employing geothermic fluid obtained from 44 generation wells. Extending to depths of 2 200 m, the wells provide steam which fuels electricity production. The facility uses about 500 kg/s of geothermic steam at 180°C emphasizing Iceland’s importance as a frontrunner in geothermal energy.

Orca commences operations: Utilizing geothermic power for CO₂ capture

A substantial addition to Hellisheidi’s plant is the Orca carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiative initiated in September 2021. Said to be the globe’s biggest direct air capture plant Orca utilizes geothermic energy from Hellisheidi to power their operations. “Orca represents a significant leap in our fight against climate change,” stated a Climeworks spokesperson.

The CCS plant commissions a modular design, containing 8 collector units competent of acquiring 500 tonnes of CO₂ annually. When the carbon dioxide is captured, it is mixed with water and infused underground, where it goes through natural mineralization, turning into rock.

“This process not only captures carbon but also permanently stores it, contributing to a sustainable future,” clarified Carbfix, the Icelandic corporation accountable for the underground storing. With a plaque capture competence of 36 000 tonnes of CO₂ yearly, Orca is a revolutionary model of how geothermal energy could be incorporated with carbon supervision technologies.

Dedication to sustainable energy: Hellisheidi & COWI break new ground

The Hellisheidi geothermic facility is not relaxing on its glory. In a recent statement, COWI was given the engineering design agreement for a 100 MWth development, set to expand the facility’s capacity to 300 MWth as well as 303 MWe by 2026. “We are excited to take this project to the next level reinforcing our commitment to renewable energy,” stated a COWI representative.

This development will further congeal Hellisheidi’s part as a strategic player in sustaining Iceland’s energy requirements as well as developing their geothermic capabilities. Furthermore, Hellisheidi acts as a for global collaboration in sustainable energy projects. “The alliance between Brazil and Paraguay in their geothermal projects mirrors our efforts at Hellisheidi, proving that collaboration is vital for sustainable development,” explained the Orkuveita Reykjavíkur spokesperson. .

The Hellisheidi geothermal facility displays how sustainable energy could fuel financial growth as well as tackle climate change. Mixing geothermal energy with progressive carbon capture acts as an example for environmental energy, encouraging future initiatives internationally as well as forming a more ecological future.