Iceland: GRC Member's View of Geothermal Energy Heritage

Geothermal Heritage II: Iceland (LinkedIn)

by William Harvey, P.E., Project Engineer at POWER Engineers (GRC Member)

The uninformed might consider a geothermal project a colorless assemblage of piping and equipment. However, close scrutiny of the plants can reveal different national characters and capabilities. Last year we composed a three-part series discussing our impressions of the trajectory of the geothermal industry: past, present and future. We are turning from that now to examine individual countries and how each "seasons" its projects in certain ways. The first article was on Turkey. Now let's turn to Iceland.

Gathered here are some highly subjective and qualitative observations when dealing with natives as well as some things that seem enjoyable or notable. Hopefully everyone realizes that this is an "outsider's perspective," collected during my expat time there. Despite my living and working there for some years everyone kindly accused me of being more "Norwegian-ish" (whatever that means) rather than adapting easily to the Icelandic rhythm of life. Probably meant I expected the trains to run on time, despite a dearth of trains. As for Turkey, apologies are offered in advance if this contains misinterpretations of history or local customs.

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