Updated geothermal assessment. Unique conditions in Iceland for geothermal utilization.

The report "Geothermal assessment. Assessment of heat reserves, heat flow and the future of geothermal utilization in Iceland" has been published, and Steinunn Hauksdóttir, director of resource research and international relations at ÍSOR, presented the main findings at a press conference at the…

The report “Geothermal Assessment. An assessment of heat reserves, heat flow and the future of geothermal utilisation in Iceland” has been published, and Steinunn Hauksdóttir, director of resource research and international relations at ÍSOR, presented the main findings at a press conference held by the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate (URN).

ÍSOR's report gives cause for even greater optimism than has previously been concluded, and points out that in Iceland there are unique conditions for geothermal utilisation, and no “cold areas” to be found. According to the report, 25% of the natural heat flow would cover all of Icelanders' primary energy use, as it is today, for all time, while about 1% of the heat reserve of the earth's crust down to 5 km depth would cover all of Icelanders' primary energy use for the next 15,000 years. The updated assessment of the heat reserve is about 18% higher than was estimated in 1985, when it was last compiled comprehensively for the country. The increase is mainly due to a higher assessment for the volcanic belts, outside the high-temperature areas, an area that is largely unexplored.

Continued geological mapping and further basic research can be decisive when it comes to further utilisation, and although conventional geothermal utilisation is still subject to limits, technological innovations can create opportunities to use the heat reserve better than is currently done.

The minister stated at the meeting that a comprehensive geothermal assessment for Iceland could become an important foundation and an incentive for the innovation and technological advancement that is necessary for the future development of geothermal utilisation. The research could provide a good basis for the government's policy and action plan for the future. The minister said it was necessary to complete the mapping of geothermal reservoirs and to prioritise research, and that it is no less important to continue investing in research, drilling and innovation.

The authors of the report “Geothermal Assessment. An assessment of heat reserves, heat flow and the future of geothermal utilisation in Iceland” are Guðni Axelsson, Sæunn Halldórsdóttir, Steinunn Hauksdóttir, Ingimar G. Haraldsson, Gunnlaugur M. Einarsson, Þórhildur Björnsdóttir and María Guðmundsdóttir.

Geothermal Assessment. An assessment of heat reserves, heat flow and the future of geothermal utilisation in Iceland.