After an exciting, yet tiring day, we visited Hveragerđl Power Station for our final excursion. The power plant uses geothermal energy to produce 30% of Iceland’s total electricity supply, where as Hydroelectric power stations make up the remaining 70%.
As we entered the modern looking power station, we were greeted by our tour guide who conducted a brief presentation, explaining the aims of the power plants. By 2012, they are aiming to produce 300 mega watts, which is enough to supply the total population of Iceland with “green” electricity. Most of it will go into industry however, although the plant will supply the majority of hot water to Reykjavik!
After this we were shown upstairs, first to a diagram presentation of how the energy is produced… apparently on the biggest touch screen in Europe. After this we were shown further upstairs where we were shown some sounds of earthquakes in Iceland (in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008). After this we were shown the generators and steam extractors before our tour finished.
During the tour, we were told that, in Iceland, the water is treated with hydrogen sulphide, because there is too much oxygen in the water which causes corrosion in pipes. It also reduces the waters boiling level so that the water is more efficient. However even when treated, a smell remains which is similar to rotten eggs, this means that all of the hot water in Iceland smells of egg…: seriously, this is not good!
George and Ben (Year 10)
As we entered the modern looking power station, we were greeted by our tour guide who conducted a brief presentation, explaining the aims of the power plants. By 2012, they are aiming to produce 300 mega watts, which is enough to supply the total population of Iceland with “green” electricity. Most of it will go into industry however, although the plant will supply the majority of hot water to Reykjavik!
After this we were shown upstairs, first to a diagram presentation of how the energy is produced… apparently on the biggest touch screen in Europe. After this we were shown further upstairs where we were shown some sounds of earthquakes in Iceland (in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008). After this we were shown the generators and steam extractors before our tour finished.
During the tour, we were told that, in Iceland, the water is treated with hydrogen sulphide, because there is too much oxygen in the water which causes corrosion in pipes. It also reduces the waters boiling level so that the water is more efficient. However even when treated, a smell remains which is similar to rotten eggs, this means that all of the hot water in Iceland smells of egg…: seriously, this is not good!
George and Ben (Year 10)
