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CarbFix project plans to double CO2 reinjection at Hengill geothermal area, Iceland

CarbFix project plans to double CO2 reinjection at Hengill geothermal area, Iceland Hellisheidi geothermal power plant, Iceland (source: ThinkGeoEnergy)
Alexander Richter 24 Nov 2019

As part of the CarbFix project, Icelandic ON Power has now announced that it plans to double the CO2 reinjection at the Hengill geothermal area that is being tapped for geothermal energy by the Hellisheidi and Nesjavellir geothermal power plants.

As reported before the weekend, Icelandic ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveitur Reykjavikur), has revealed plans to ramp up carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations at their power plants in Iceland. This includes both Hellisheidi and Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plants. The statement followed the announcement that ON Power plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 (previously goal was 2040).

33 tons of CO2 disposed every day

In order to achieve this goal, ON Power will 1) double the amount of CO2 and H2S currently reinjected into the subsurface using the CarbFix method at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, 2) conduct experimental reinjection at the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant and 3) utilise the excess carbon in collaboration with nearby industries. Currently, ON Power reinjects a daily amount of about 33 tons of CO2 where it eventually turn into stone. That amount corresponds to roughly 1000 Icelanders.

A carbon neutral company

“We take the UN Sustainable Development Goals very seriously,” said Berglind Rán Ólafsdóttir, CEO of ON Power. “Climate Actions are close to our hearts, and carbon neutral operations at our power plants fits well with those actions. If we are going to address the climate crisis in the seriousness we all need to do our part – people, companies, governments – ON Power wants to lead by example for others to follow” adds Berglind.

An interview with both Berglind Rán and Edda Sif can be seen here (in Icelandic).

Source: CarbFix Project