Iceland called “the land of fire and ice” is a Nordic Island country, one of Europe's most sparsely populated countries: Reykjavik, the largest city and capital, houses more than 65% of the population. The island country has a temperate climate where the south is warmer, wetter and windier in the south and the north witnesses more snowfall in the winters. (Logadóttir, 2015)
1.1 ENERGY SECTOR
The unique geology and northernly location of Iceland lets it to produce relatively cheaper renewable energy from various sources. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge it is one of the mosttectonicallyactiveplacesintheworld.Thereareover200 volcanoes and more than 600 hot springs. There are also over 20 high-temperature steam fields that are 150℃, some can reach temperatures as high as 250℃, which allows the country to harness geothermal energy Iceland. A very active volcanic area that powers its geothermal systems and seasonal melting ice which feed the rivers contributing to the hydropower.
Iceland is a world leader in renewable energy. Iceland’s electricity sector is 99.98% reliant on renewable energy, hydropower, geothermal energy and wind energy. With the completion of Iceland’s largest hydroelectric dam. Karanhnjukar Hydropower Plant (690MW) the electricity production increasedsignificantlybetween2005 and2008. Toconstruct and operate an electric power plant a license is required which is issued by the National Energy Authority. This national body is responsible for monitoring and regulating the companies operating under the issued license.
1.2 PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
About 85% of the total primary energy supply in Iceland is from renewable energy sources; hydroelectric (70%) and geothermal (30%). Electricity generated from fossil fuels (fuel oil) is less than 0.02% According to statistics, the total electricityconsumptionwas7958GWhin 2002, 11480 GWh in 2007 and 17068 GWh in 2012. An increase of 83% of electricity production by 24 MWh/person from 2005 to 2008. With approximately 55,000 kWh per person per year, Iceland is the world’s largest green energy producer and largest electricity producer per capita.
Iceland is pioneering in the use of geothermal energy for space heating, which has significantly increased in recent years. In the 20th century, Iceland went from being one of the poorest
countries in Europe dependent on coal and peat for energy production, to a country where all stationary energy is derived from renewable resources with a high standard of living.
The steam field energy is used to heat everything With the numerous glacial rivers and waterfalls, they can harness energy through hydropower. (wikipedia, 2024)
1.3 TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
Landsnet hf is the Icelandic transmission system operator (TSO), which owns and operates the whole transmission system. It is responsible for the security, efficiency, secure management of the supply system and quality of electricity. Landsnet’s transmission network is composed of 3000 km of transmission lines and around 70 substations.
The plan to connect the Icelandic grid with the UK is in process using a subsea High-voltage DC (HVDC) interconnector, which would be called Icelink. If built this could be the world’s longest HVDC cable, which would allow Iceland to export excess energy to UK also linking it to a wider European super grid.
Most of the energy produced by the geothermal systems is used by energy-intensive industrial sectors, such as aluminium production, which is developed in Iceland due to the low cost of electricity. (wikipedia, 2024)
1.4 TRANSITION FROM COAL TO RENEWABLES
The drive behind the transition to renewables was just because the country couldn’t sustain the fluctuations occurring in the oil prices due to several crises affecting world energy markets. Due to its isolated location on the edge of the Artic Circle, it required stable and economically feasible domestic energy. Iceland started to explore geothermal technologies in the early twentieth century which then later led to borrow drilling technologies from oil industries to drill deeper for hotter water.
Since Iceland is a sparsely populated county it wasn’t easy to create power grids to the places that were isolated from the main grid. So, Iceland focused on large-scale hydropower development to attract international industrial energy users to diversify its economy, create jobs and establish a nationwide power grid.
1.5 CONTRIBUTION
Geothermal technical assistance and renewable energy education have been provided for decades now. Iceland's population has been "educated," as evidenced by the fact that three universities, including the University of Iceland, Akureyri RES, and Reykjavik REYST, currently offer courses in renewable energy. Institutions such as the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University has provided higher education and training programmes for more than 1000 experts around the world. Four areas of expertise are available through the renowned
Akureyri RES: geothermal energy, hydrogen and fuel cells, biofuels, and renewable energy policy. (US, n.d.)
Iceland has actively participated in geothermal projects in over 50 countries, one such project is the world’s largest geothermal district heating system in China, which serves over one million customers.
It is considered that approximately 25 per cent of the population lives in areas suitable for geothermal district heating in Europe. Iceland’s know-how and experience are invaluable for exploring the feasibility and implementation of geothermal district heating systems in Paris and other European countries. (Logadóttir, 2015)
1.6 COST
The experts in the Icelandic ministry of industries and innovation have calculated that the annual macro-economic benefits of the geothermal district heating system accounts for up to 77% of Iceland’s GDP which is roughly equal to $3000 per person each year. The transformation from coal and oil to renewables without a doubt has had a significant benefit in the nation’s social and economics which can be measured in cost savings per household of relying on direct geothermal heat for heating homes. Compared to the average energy mix used to heat houses in OECD countries, each household in Iceland saves approximately 5,200 euros per year in heating expenditure according to the assessment made by the Federation of employers in Iceland.
1.7 NEGATIVE IMPACTS
Therehas been anincreaseddemand for electricity andexcessiveproductionofelectricity from geothermalenergymight not beverysustainable. Also, theincreasein thenumberpowerplants could have an impact on the environment. Iceland’s largest obstacles to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 are road transport and the fishing industry.
The two islands, Grimsey and Flatey are not connected to the Icelandic main grid, so they rely on diesel generators for electricity. Distribution of electricity to the UK could have an impact on the price of domestic electricity.
Iceland’s plan to produce wind energy from offshore farms could make the construction challenging and expensive because of the deep parts of the North Atlantic and the Iceland Sea.
Due to its high latitude, Iceland has relatively low insolation, limiting solar power potential.
1.8 POSITIVE IMPACTS
Iceland is the first country in the world to create an economy generated through industries fuelled by renewable energy. There is still a large amount of untapped energy sources which must remain untapped for environmental reasons.
The social and economic benefits from the geothermal development have been substantial. The environmental and health benefits are also considerable, the use of geothermal energy has significantly reduced air pollution in the capital, Reykjavik. Iceland has greatly reduced CO2 emissions by switching from fossil fuel to renewable energy which has benefitted the
environment. In the last 50 years, the CO2 emissions due to space heating have gone from 250,000 tons per year to zero.
To encourage and help people switch to renewables, the government has established a geothermal drilling fund which provides loan money for geothermal research and test drilling, while providing cost recovery for failed projects. (Árnadóttir, 2018)
1.9 WHAT IS ICELAND’S NEXT CHALLENGE?
Reduce the consumption of coal and oil even more. Most of the travel is done by road, and 13% of the country's energy is still used via fossil fuels. In order to become the first nation in the world to be free of fossil fuels and other harmful resources by2050, Iceland is making significant investments in the development of autonomous vehicles and biofuels. (US, n.d.)
1.10 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
The temperature in the subsoil varies far less throughout the year or according to location than it does in the air. Depending on the region, the temperature of the ground a few metres below the surface ranges from around 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F). As you delve further, the temperature rises by 20 to 40 °C every kilometre until you reach the Earth's core, which is close to 5000°C. At the same time, we can use the pleasant temperature a few metres below the surface to acclimatise structures, regardless of whether they are in a hot or cold region. (Souza, 2022)
A good illustration of how to benefit from the temperature variations present within the strata of the Earth are hot springs. Thermal waters are naturally heated and emerge on the surfaces of some regions, either as a result of a volcanic upwelling process or because of the temperature
gradient itself. They frequently come with a prescription for relaxation and even to cure pain and disease because they typically have a higher mineralization content than regular water.
There are hot springs everywhere in the world, although some nations have more active subterranean systems. The country of Iceland is famous for its numerous hot springs. In the Gulaug Thermal Pools project by BASALT Architects, for instance, a natural heated pool is created directly next to the beach by blending with the coastal cliffs. In addition to providing recreation, the heat present in the rocks and fluids beneath the earth's crust can be used to create electricity. The first known application of geothermal energy was in Italy in 1904, and since then it has expanded and been recognised as a reliable source of renewable energy. Wells are drilled to reach subsurface water and hot steam for this purpose. This heat is used to power turbines that will produce electricity once it reaches the surface. More than 20 nations, including Indonesia, Mexico, and Japan, use geothermal energy, with the United States being the greatest generator.
Although this form of energy is essentially pure and produces little CO2, there are some drawbacks. The initial cost of installation is significant, and there is also a sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide emission. Because they move along the tectonic plates that make up the crust of the Earth, small earthquakes can also happen. It is also conceivable to heat water and distribute it to infrastructure networks using a similar approach.
A group of geothermal pumping stations have been built by PK Arkitektar in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. Geothermal water now heats every residence in Reykjavik, replacing the previous oil heating system, which produced smoke, used fossil fuels, and fouled the city's air. The differential in temperature between the surface and the subsoil can also be used to heat and cool structures.
1.11 WORKING
Thesystem entails installing heat pumps and water or other fluidfilled subterranean pipes near to thebuilding.Asaresult,constant liquid flow in pipes from below to above ground will exchange heat with theground. This device can then be used to heat water, feed the building's air conditioning system through ducts, or both. The heat pump will move heat from the ground to the building if the ground temperature is higher than the surrounding air temperature. It can also work in reverse, transferring heat from the inside of a structure to the outside, cooling the building. (Souza, 2022)
1.12 ICELAND TO ACHIEVE CLIMATE TARGETS
Things are more difficult for ships and aeroplanes since the transition away from fossil fuels has just started. Although Iceland has an electrical ferry and a few other experimental projects, it depends on foreign technology for our aircraft and ship engines. Iceland must increase its energy exploitation if it is to meet its lofty climate targets. In terms of climate issues, Iceland wishes to set an example for other (Government, 2022)
2 THE HILL FARM
GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Hill Farm restaurant designed by Kinacigil Franco Architecture in 2022 is an Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant Competition winner and Green Award winner. A 12,400-meter square site with a built 2300-meter square for phase one and a 5000-meter square for phase two is located in Lake Myvatn, Iceland. This project aimed to design a restaurant with the concept of greenhouse. To grow fresh, locally grown food that are scarce in Iceland, particularly during the winter months. A greenhouse to farm fresh food and a dine-in restaurant to server those freshly harvested food.
2.2 CONCEPT
The Hill Farm is inspired by the picturesque natural volcanic landscape of the site which seeks to blend seamlessly with the sloping topography. The idea was for the building to flow gently, stepping with the landscape while providing a dynamite iconic design that forms a unique backdrop to its spectacular location.
Adopting the concept of the century-old vernacular architectural design style of Iceland, the Turf Homes. The traditional Icelandic Turf house where the building responds to harsh climate using turf to cover the roofs of the highly insulated house, which blends with the landscape. Thus, Hill Farm develops a striking building mass that forms a slopped hill, which is cleverly wrapped in the same stone material as the ground whereupon it rests. The building's noticeable triangular stepping roof form is a straightforward expression of the site’s hill-like topography and volcanic mountains. From the ground, this dynamic massing of the building with three simple stepping volumes rises gently and gracefully merging with the landscape, flowing and respecting its changing levels.
2.3 PROGRAM
The triangular volumes create three different zones for three separate functions. A multifunction space, a restaurant and a service space for food preparation are positioned towards the eastern road making it efficient for maintenance and service access. The three functional volumes are unified and interconnected under one undulating stone roof creating connectivity between these spaces. Also connected by a large central fully glazed organic farm greenhouse, which is visible throughout the building, offering views to the guests.
2.4 MATERIAL
Sincemost ofthe constructionmaterials areimportedin Icelandthe overall design is developed with a special consideration to buildability and sustainable use of materials, which could be locally sourced. The structure is made of biodegradable and recycled materials such as reclaimed steel, wood and local stone.
Thestonebasaltrooftileisthemainfeatureofthebuilding. Arrangedinalayeredconfiguration the linear roof tiles mimic the Icelandic volcanic rock formations. Reflecting the rough and dynamic appearance of the rock formations on the roof of the building enhances the overall narrative of the building as it is one with its environment, and even carved from it.
Reclaimed steel is the primary structure of the building which is robust light and extremely strong ideal for the harsh climate of the site. Birch wood local to Iceland will be placed in the dry areas of the program such as the restaurant and multipurpose areas as well as the internal soffit panels and ceiling, creating a more natural and warm feeling to the building’s interior.
Andforthe flooring, Iceland Gray Stacked Stone Panels features aslivergrey natural travertine with a split face adding character and depth
2.5 CONSTRUCTION
A prefabricated structural system has been constructed at Hill Farm using recycled or reclaimed standard steel sections. It might be possible to construct the structural frame of the project off-site and then assemble it in manageable units delivered by truck. Steel is a highly durable, flexible, cost-effective, and fast-to-build material that is suitable for harsh conditions. As well as being very sustainable, recycled steel is also of high quality and does not degrade over time. By using existing steel, no new carbon emissions are produced for the manufacture of new framing material.
Triangular geometry also has inherent benefits in the building form. As live and dead loads are evenly distributed down to the ground, triangular structures are naturally strong. Moreover, the geometry provides an effective solution to roof drainage and rainwater collection, since water runs off both sloping sides.
2.6 SUSTAINABILITY
The Hill Farm project was designed with sustainability in mind from the beginning. The architects believe that to minimise waste and maximise life cycle costs, architecture should be constructed in the most passive way possible, using low-impact materials and prefabrication construction techniques.
Utilizing modern technologies to ensure that new growth produces the least number of detrimental effects on the ecosystem and the communities, ecologically friendly design enables us to build more intelligently. The design makes use of the site's volcanic characteristics by using subsurface hot springs as a source for the restaurant's natural water supply.The triangular shape of the house supports rainwater collecting, which allows the rainwater tank to collect water used to irrigate the organic vegetable garden. Additionally, the structure has solar panels on the southwest side of the roof that aid in generating passive electricity for the structure. (Alvarez, 2022)
3 THE RETREAT
AT BLUE LAGOON ICELAND
3.1
INTRODUCTION
On the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the centre of an 800-year-old lava plain, is the geothermal spa known as Blue Lagoon, which was first established in 1992. Sigrur Sigórsdóttir, founding partner of Basalt Architects, created the original Blue Lagoon Spa, the follow-up Silica hotel, and various additions to the Blue Lagoon facilities. The 10400-meter square structure was designated one of the seven wonders of the world by National Geographic Traveller and is the most visited place in Iceland. Winner in Architectural Design / Hospitality Architecture, Architectural Design of the Year The Retreat offers a special opportunity to discover Iceland's historic bathing tradition. (Iceland, 2019)
3.2 DESIGN
The new area, "The Retreat," welcomes visitors seeking tranquillity and the advantages of the Blue Lagoon's mineral-rich water, a UNESCO Global Geopark. This addition's design aims to provide visitors access to the lagoon's beauty while minimising the building's environmental impact. (Iceland, 2019)
The growth at Blue Lagoon has relied heavily on improvisation. The design of the building is based on a comprehensive geomorphological analysis oftherifts and cracks that make up this volcanic environment, and the materials used in its construction have been chosen to complement the colours and textures of the surroundings. The design also included some flexibility to allow the strategy to change in reaction to unanticipated findings made throughout the excavation process. As a result, the structure smoothly integrates with its surroundings and makes use of some of its natural features. The Retreat has a geothermal lagoon, underground spa, restaurant, and a 62-suite hotel surrounded by the famous seawaters of the Blue Lagoon.
3.3 ENERGY
Blue Lagoon uses the earth's geothermal energy to power everything from the healing water of the lagoons to the electricity that runs the complex. The Svartsengi Resource Park, a global pioneer in the sustainable usage of geothermal resource streams, is the source of renewable energy at the Retreat and is inextricably linked to wellness at the Retreat. (Iceland, 2019)
3.4 ARCHITECTURE
"We wanted the lava, the moss, the water to be omnipresent, resulting in architecture that is woven in with the natural elements," the architects explained. Maintaining the connection between humans and nature was a top priority during the design and building phases. The roofs are covered by the exposed lava, which also forms the inner and outer walls. Water surrounds, cascades around, and flows through it, and luscious moss extends to the horizon all around. (Pintos, 2022)
Raw concrete, wood, and lava from the site were all employed in the project's material palette to blend in with the surrounding environment and complement the colours and textures of the landscape.
Elements of the primarily concrete structure were either prefabricated or cast in place. Prefabrication had two main advantages: it lessened the influence on the environment at the construction site and allowed for the synthesis of huge, smooth surfaces that are devoid of joints. Treatment of the exposed concrete results in walls with various textures and colours that resemble white silica or grey lava.
Perforated facades and interior screens throughout the complex evoke the organic patterns that appear when the air pockets trapped inside lava rocks are released. Lava sand and stone from the area were used to make dark terrazzo floors. The Blue Lagoon's active componentsaremineralsalt,blue-greenalgae,andsilica.Exposedrockwallsthatarecontained in a wine cellar for the restaurant are dramatically illuminated from below, and additional pendant lights add to the moody ambiance. (Griffiths, 2018)
Influenced by the idea that architecture and geology should merge into one another through the divine alignment of form, function, and the volcanic earth. This kind of thinking is represented by the methodology that permeates all of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland's parts, including design, lighting, engineering, architecture, and sustainability. The idea that man and the environment are intertwined permeates everything. (Iceland, 2019)
4 HELLISHEIDI POWER PLANT
WORLD’S FIRST NEGATIVE EMISSION POWER PLANT
4.1
INTRODUCTION
Beyond its stunning scenery, midnight sun, and aurora borealis in the winter, Iceland is renowned for its technological advancements as well. Since 2012, all of its electrical needs have been met by green energy, thanks to a combination of hydropower and geothermal heating. A new 300-megawatt geothermal power station in Hellisheii that absorbs more CO2 than it produces helps to reach this goal. As a result, it produces electricity for Icelanders while generating negative emissions and cleaning the air. (sight, 2017)
4.2
WORKING
The Hellisheidi facility, about 15 miles (25 km) southeast of the capital Reykjavik, pumps water through a subterranean system of pipes to generate power and heat using naturally occurring heat from a volcanically active region. A vast group of fans draw air into a filter that is patented by Climeworks. After heating the filter, pure carbon dioxide is extracted. After that, the carbon dioxide is injected
down to a depth of 2,300 feet while being bonded to water molecules. Limestone is created at that depth when carbon dioxide reacts with basalt. The CO2 may be safely stored underground in this form without having to worry about it re-entering the environment for a very long time. Contrarily, basalt rock appears to respond significantly more quickly, most likely as a result of the presence of metals like iron and aluminium.
The carbon dioxide does not petrify immediately, but it does shorten the time span from centuries to about two years. "Our results show that between 95 and 98 per cent of the injectedCO2 was mineralizedovertheperiodof less than two years, which is amazingly fast," says the lead author on the CarbFix project, Dr Juerg Matter. (Haridy, 2017)
In essence, CO2 gets drawn out of the atmosphere and converted to stone beneath the Earth. For the first time, the study demonstrated that storing carbon dioxide underground is simpler and safer than previously thought.
It should be highlighted that the technology's efficiency is not yet sufficient for it to be employed extensively throughout all power plants before it is heralded as the answer to all of our energy problems. The plant produces only a third of the energy that an equivalent coal-based power station would. Additionally, compared to coal facilities, geothermal power plants initially produce 3% of the CO2 emissions. (Mindsight, Nov 10.2017) According to Edda Aradóttir, a geologist for CarbFix, morethan18,000metrictonnes ofCO2havebeeninjectedintotheground as partofthe project during the last three years. A further benefit is that they could do it for less than $30 per metric tonne of CO2. (The world’s first “negative emissions” plant has begun operation turning carbon dioxide into stone, 2017)
4.3 CARBON NEGATIVE
Over the past few years, Climeworks has been developing a revolutionary DAC technology. The technique allows for the collection of CO2s from outside air onto a proprietary filter, before the gas is cleaned and supplied to companies that require it for commercial purposes. The CO2 that has been gathered is being delivered to a nearby greenhouse by Zurich's first commercial plant.
Recent years have seen a lot of debate surrounding carbon sequestration, which is the process of capturing and storing CO2 in subterranean reservoirs. According to a 2015 MIT study, previous sequestration procedures have not proven particularly effective. Since we currently lack a widespread technique to safely dispose of CO2, even though we can trap it, there is a very real risk that the sequestered CO2 will escape back into the atmosphere. A proof-ofconcept system that uses the Climeworks DAC technology with the CarbFix mineralization procedure is not only carbon neutral but also carbon negative. Even though it is not now economically feasible to implement this type of carbon capture technology on a wide scale, we are finally witnessing practical and efficient carbon capture and storage systems.
5 CONCLUSIONS
In both our daily lives and society, buildings play an important role. However, one of the major causes of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the era of climate change is energy use in buildings. Additionally, since 1970, the global GHG emissions from the building sector have more than doubled. We emit 40 trillion kilogrammes of carbon dioxide annually, and we're on course to surpass a critical emissions threshold that will push the global temperature rise beyond the risky 2°C limit imposed by the Paris climate agreement.
In this report, instead of studying a country and giving buildings as a case study I have taken an entire country as a case study and have given examples to support my case study. Iceland is an intriguing example because 95% of the country's energy needs are met by geothermal and hydroelectric resources, which have much lower emissions than fossil fuels.
Iceland's modest but excellent geothermal sector has become a global leader because to a combination of necessity, a great deal of innovation, some tenacity, a "problem-solving" mentality, and risky policy choices. Although Iceland's experience offers insightful lessons for decision-makers, the nation has mainly concentrated on imparting its knowledge through technical proficiency in geothermal development.
Local conditions elsewhere will determine which renewable resources are the most efficient and how they will be best utilised, just as geothermal and hydropower generation made sense for Iceland's energy transformation. Every transition will be different since every country is diverse. Iceland's conversion is thus a significant success story as opposed to a "one model fits all" strategy. First and foremost, Iceland serves as a motivational example of what is feasible and may teach other nations attempting such a shift many valuable lessons. (Logadóttir, 2015)
Iceland's narrative serves as a reminder that less wealthy developed nations may also overcome internal and financial obstacles to make the shift to a green economy. Never has the globe been more equipped to handle the impending transformation. Better funding options are always being made accessible, along with new and improved technologies. Cooperation and knowledgeexchange across theworld arebecomingmoreseamless and immediate. Combining these elements with the numerous historical lessons, including those from Iceland, can help countries achieve a more sustainable course.
To imagine a better future where we may learn to live in a cooperative connection with the environment of our world, and not only explore it, but we must also use locally accessible and renewable resources for construction.
REFERENCE
References
Alvarez, L., 2022. The Hill Farm - Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant Competition winner and Green award by Kinacigil Franco Architecture. Amazing Architecture.
Árnadóttir, R. E., 2018. A geothermal leader: The case of Iceland, s.l.: Atlantic Council.
Government, O. A., 2022. Renewable geothermal energy: A climate champion. [Online]
Available at: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/renewable-geothermal-energy-climatechange/136755/ [Accessed 2022].
Griffiths, A., 2018. Basalt Architects completes hotel at Iceland's Blue Lagoon resort. dezeen.
Haridy, R., 2017. World's first "negative emission" power plant turns CO2 into stone. New atlas.
Iceland, B. L., 2019. Architecture Design Process: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. Blue lagoon stories.
Logadóttir, H. H., 2015. Iceland's Sustainable Energy Story: A Model for the World?, s.l.: UN Chronicle.
Pintos, P., 2022. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland / BASALT Architects. Arch daily.
sight, M., 2017. Icelandic Hellisheiði Power Plant Generates Negative Emissions. Mind sight.
Souza, E., 2022. Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth to Heat Buildings and Generate Electricity. Arch Daily.
The world’s first “negative emissions” plant has begun operation turning carbon dioxide into stone. 2017. [Film] s.l.: Quartz Daily Brief.
US, U. T., n.d. Iceland - a sustainable energy Eldorado. [Online]
Available at: https://www.up-to-us.veolia.com/en/energy/iceland-sustainable-hydroelectricitygeothermal-energy
wikipedia, 2024. wikipedia.org. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_Iceland
