30 miles from Reykjavik, on the Golden Circle Tour, one of the stops is the largest Geo Thermal power plant in Iceland near Pingvellir. . . . .Click on "See More" for more information and links
Water heated by lava underground is turned into superheated steam that is used to create electricity and heat iceland cities. Plans for utilizing the Nesjavellir area for geothermal power and water heating began in 1947, when some boreholes were drilled to evaluate the area's potential for power generation. Research continued from 1965 to 1986. In 1987, the construction of the plant began, and the cornerstone was laid in May 1990. The station produces approximately 120 MW of electrical power; it also delivers around 1,100 litres (290 US gal) of hot water (82-85 °C) per second, servicing the space heating and hot water needs of the Capital Region. The water heats all of Reykjavik and even several greenhouses for food.
