The Svartsengi Resource Park

Abstract

The combined geothermal heat and power plant in Svartsengi, located on the Reykjanes peninsula, Iceland commenced its commercial operation in 1976. As early as in 1978 people suffering from psoriasis began bathing in the bluish colored geothermal fluid of a small lagoon adjacent to the power plant. The relaxation and relief people got in the lagoon initiated the development of the Blue Lagoon complex of today. Today the Blue Lagoon, one of the most popular tourist spots in Iceland comprises of a spa, psoriasis clinique and a research and a development centre. The spin offs of the power plant, the Blue Lagoon among those led to the definition of the concept Resource Park. The paper describes the development of the Svartsengi Resource Park and defines the concept. It is reasoned how HS Orka hf applies the concept to support the sustainable development of the society. It is highlighted how the concept endeavors to maximize the utilization of every resource, waste as little as possible, generate new ideas and minimizes the environmental impact of the activities.