Interrelation Between Urban Planning and Geothermal Energy Use. Exploring Challenges and Potential Synergies in Reykjavík Capital Area

Abstract

Population growth and development of housing, services, and economic activities are determinant for levels of energy consumption. In terms of geothermal energy production and distribution, the allocation of settlements, determined in the land use planning system, can have a great influence on the overall energy system and energy distribution. Land use planning, settlement structure and urban design is closely linked to societal factors, ruling ideologies and political priorities. The consideration of essential infrastructure in terms of energy and resources is an important factor in this development, but synergies with energy systems and urban planning at the strategic level is often lacking and consequently infrastructure for energy distribution is often taken for granted, neither considering existing infrastructure or future programmes. Furthermore, the timeline for strategic decision making follows a different timeline than energy harnessing which can present challenges for matching energy supply and demand. In this paper the effects of new priorities in urban planning (in terms of compactness and land use allocations) has on distribution systems for geothermal energy will be presented, taking Reykjavík capital area as a case study. Ways that greater synergies can be created between urban planning, energy usage and distribution will be explored, with the aim of identifying ways of encouraging both sustainable energy use and making most of the potential of using geothermal heat in the urban fabric.