Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant

Power From the Volcano

Opened in 2006 on the Hengill volcanic plateau, the Hellisheiði (Hellisheidi) geothermal plant is among the largest in the world. It drills into geothermal reservoirs to produce electricity and hot water that heats much of Reykjavik — Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy thanks to systems like this.

Capturing Carbon in Rock

The adjacent Carbfix project injects captured CO₂ into basalt, where it mineralizes into solid stone within years — turning the same volcanic ground that powers the plant into a permanent carbon sink. It is one of the most promising carbon-removal technologies at scale.

A Model for Volcanic Nations

Hellisheiði shows what an energy system looks like when a country is built on fire and ice — clean baseload power plus carbon capture, all from the ground itself.