The Geothermal Energy Exhibition Travel Guide
The Geothermal Energy Exhibition is an interactive museum on Iceland’s volcanic processes at Hellisheiði Power Plant.
Explore this exhibition while on a self drive tour in Iceland.
Geothermal Energy in Iceland
The Geothermal Energy Exhibition exists to show how the geothermal forces beneath the earth in Iceland work, and how they are utilised; it also explains the purpose and functions of the adjacent power plant.
Both of these places exist because of the Mid-Atlantic Rift. This rift runs through Iceland, separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. As they pull apart, magma is brought up from the mantle, making Iceland prone to earthquakes and eruptions, and a hot-bed of geothermal activity.
Geothermal energy is used in Iceland to provide hot water to the towns, and for electricity (although it is a common misconception that this is the main source of electricity, which is actually hydro-power). Over 70 percent of Iceland’s primary energy consumption is from renewable sources.
Non-renewable sources are mainly only used for transport.
The Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Hellisheiði Power Plant are on the Hengill Geothermal Area, a highly active region in the south-west of the country.
Facilities at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition
Located just a twenty-minute drive from Reykjavík, the exhibition offers guided tours, multimedia installations, and presentations on geothermal activity. It is perfect for children and adults alike.
There are several different options for tours. There is a basic guided tour; a tour with refreshments and a surprise gift; a VIP private tour with refreshments and surprises; and a tour that includes a bonus trip around the Reykjanes Peninsula, another highly active area.
Certain Golden Circle tours include a stop at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition alongside visits to Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir National Park.
There is an on-site cafe with traditional Icelandic snacks and a gift shop with authentic gifts.
The Geothermal Energy Exhibition is owned by the company ON Power.
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