Nesjavellir is a 120 MW geothermal power plant located in Iceland, operated by Orkuveita Reykjavíkur since its commissioning in 1998. The facility generates electricity using geothermal energy sourced from the earth's heat. It ranks as the 2nd largest geothermal plant in Iceland. With 120 MW, it represents 20.98% of Iceland's total geothermal capacity of 572 MW. Iceland has 6 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 572 MW. Compared to the largest geothermal plant, Hellisheiði at 213 MW, this facility is about 56.3% the size. Geothermal energy is a significant contributor to Iceland's energy supply, accounting for approximately 30% of the country's electricity generation. The Nesjavellir plant takes advantage of Iceland's geothermal resources, supporting the shift towards renewable energy. The facility is located about 30 km from Reykjavik in the southwestern region of Iceland.
28 years old
Iceland, Europe
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Nesjavellir is a geothermal power plant producing approximately 841 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~38 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Iceland- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Geothermal Power Generation: An Overview
Geothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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