Iceland Geothermal Conference 2013

The Iceland Geothermal Conference will take place  in Reykjavík on March 5-8 2013. The venue is the new outstanding conference and concert centre Harpa, at the oceanfront in downtown Reykjavík.

The overall theme of the conference is presented as “to share effective exploration methods, learn how to maximize the utilization of geothermal energy from veterans and explore ways to realize geothermal projects with less risk and higher profitability.” The speakers include dozens of specialists in the geothermal sector. You can see the program here.

The conference is a perfect place to meet for utilities, investors, vendors, regulators and government to take an in-depth look at the major steps in geothermal projects. As the conference is positioned in proximity to a region rich in geothermal activity, most of the attending guests will probably also enjoy the field trips offered to selected geothermal areas close by.

Geothermal energy provides over half of Iceland’s primary energy supply. The principal use of geothermal energy is space heating. Close to 90% of all energy used for house heating comes from geothermal resources (low-temperature). Geothermal energy also plays an important role in fulfilling an increasing electricity demand. Other sectors utilizing geothermal energy directly include swimming pools, snow and ice management, greenhouses, fish farming, and industrial uses.

Harnessing geothermal energy is an area of expertise where Iceland has great strength. The Reykjavík geothermal district heating service started operating on a small scale in 1930. Today, it is the largest of its kind and serves close to 60% of the total population of Iceland. Iceland also produces a substantial share of its electricity by harnessing geothermal resources. Geothermal plants now account for approximately one-quarter of all electricity generated and consumed in Iceland.

The use of geothermal energy for industrial uses on a large scale began in Iceland in the late 1960’s. The most recent industrial operation in the country utilizing geothermal energy is the methanol production of Carbon Recycling International in southwestern Iceland. The plant captures carbon dioxide from a geothermal power plant and converts the carbon dioxide into methanol. Currently, the Norwegian company Stolt Sea Farm is constructing a fish farm, that will utilize warm water from a geothermal power plant to produce senegalese sole. In a nutshell, Iceland’s geothermal resources offer numerous interesting opportunities. You are welcome to contact us directly for more information about the Iceland Geothermal Conference and/or with inquiries regarding the Icelandic energy sector.