May 14, 2016: Energy!!!

Breakfast at the hostel consisted of coffee, skyr, muesli, and toast. Our first stop of the day was Hellisheiði Power Plant and Geothermal Energy Exhibition. 

The Hengill area is one of Iceland´s largest geothermal areas, linked to three volcanic systems. The westernmost and youngest system is the Hengill area, which comprises the Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði Power Plants. Within the active volcanic belt a number of high-temperature geothermal fields are found. These are areas with water temperature over 200°C at 1000 meters depth. About 32 high temperature fields have been identified in Iceland. Outside of the active volcanic belt, 250 of the 'low temperature fields' have been found. These are defined as areas with temperatures less than 150°C at 1000 meters depth. The closer the low temperature fields are to the active volcanic belt, the higher the temperature. 

 

This is one of numerous boreholes used in geothermal production

The plant is owned by Reykjavík Energy and is a striking example of how geothermal energy is harnessed in a sustainable manner and a showcase for the rest of the world. When we arrived there were two big tour buses and a couple of smaller tour vans parked out front and it was packed inside. The entire production process of Hellisheiði geothermal power plant is displayed interactively on the 2^nd floor. This virtual guide (with weird teleporting announcer) goes through the technical process from drilling to energy for the consumer. On the 3^rd floor, we could see the steam turbines in action. Interestingly, on the weekends, there are only 2 workers at the plant monitoring the steam and power flow (compared to 30 during the work week). 

We headed to Reykjavik afterwards to attend the weekly flea market near the harbor. Everyone was able to get some unique Icelandic souvenirs and a quick lunch.

 

Grabbing coffee on the back deck of a bookstore in Reykjavik.

We drove back over the Hellisheiði mountain pass and back into Selfoss. We went grocery shopping and grabbed enough food for the next two days because most everything will be closed for Whitsunday and Whit Monday (both national holidays).
We decided to swim at the Selfoss hot springs swimming pool. Once again it had a large water slide, a small mushroom shaped water slide and a large block of cheese water slide that only tiny kids could fit into.This water slide was not as good as the prior slides and most adults had to push their way down the last 1/3 of the slide.

The gas tank on the van was below ½ full so I decided to fill it up. It was approximately 56 liters for half of the tank and this was around $85. 

Dinner was spaghetti, salad and bread made at the hostel. We sat around the dinner table talking and reflecting about our experiences in Iceland so far. Everyone had some great observations about the Icelandic culture and everyone is excited about exploring more.