Iceland: Day 4 - Geothermal

June 28, 2004

We had a quick stop at another geothermal area.

Deildartunguhver in the Reykholtsdal valley is the biggest geothermal spring in Europe, if not the world, producing 180 liters per second at 97°! Both Akranes and Borganes are supplied with hot water by this spring. The piping carrying the water to Akranes is 64kms long and to Borganes, 34kms long.

Geothermal power is also used all over Iceland to power greenhouses. Greenhouses are practically the only way that produce is grown in Iceland, and are mainly for tomatos, cucumbers, peppers, etc. However, Iceland has also found a niche market... its third largest exports are bananas!

 
the water boiling up from out of the ground

the longest geothermal pipe in iceland...
i forget how long it goes

the tour guide and Andreas

there are lots of greenhouses in iceland... the ones here were growing tomatoes
bought some tomatoes from this self serve stand... icelandic people are very trusting

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