Direct Use of Geothermal Water for District Heating in Reykjavík and Other Towns and Communities in SW-Iceland

Abstract

The geothermal district heating utility in Reykjavík is the world´s largest geothermal district heating service. It started on a small scale in 1930 and today it serves the capital of Reykjavík and surrounding communities, about 58 % of the total population of Iceland. All houses in this area are heated with geothermal water. Three low-temperature fields, Laugarnes, Elliðaaár and Reykir/Reykjahlíð are used for this purpose along with geothermal water from the high-temperature field at Nesjavellir. Reykjavík Energy is also operating district heating utilities in 7 other towns outside the capital area with total 15.000 thousand inhabitants and 7 other utilities serving farmhouses and holiday homes. The paper will give overview of these utilities and their geothermal fields.