Development of Low Temperature Utilization and Resource Monitoring for District Heating Services in Iceland

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the development of exploration, utilization and future prospects of direct use of low temperature geothermal resources in Iceland, mainly for the District Heating Services. We emphasize the most recent advances in exploration techniques and describe the learning curve involved in the success stories throughout Iceland and how the experience can be used for the benefit of other countries. The paper will focus on: 1. Development of exploration methods. The use of thermal gradient wells, remote sensing, televiewer (Well Acoustic Imaging), modelling and 3D visualization. 2. Successful monitoring programs and sustainable use of geothermal systems. Reservoir monitoring of low temperature fields is one of the main reasons for the success of the operation of these valuable resources. Most District Heating Services have experienced a long history but relatively few problems related to the utilization. The paper will give an overview of the main fields involved in the monitoring history and the development towards lowering cost along with more efficient data collection and interpretation. 3. Ongoing „Second phase“ for many district heating services in Iceland and prospects for the future. District Heating Services are facing new challenges in recent years, mostly due to increase in population and tourists in Iceland. Also increased demands of geothermal water from low temperature resources for innovative utilization methods.