Power Sources
Hydroelectric power
Natural conditions in Iceland favour the use of hydroelectric installations for the generation of electricity. The potential power available from this source is estimated to be more than 30,000 GWh/yr. In 2010, the installed capacity in 28 power plants was 1,500 MW. The largest single hydropower plant has a capacity of 690MW.
Geothermal power
Icelanders also use geothermal energy for domestic and industrial purposes. Over 85% of the population enjoy central heating using geothermal energy at a price that is less than half the cost of oil or electric heating.
Geothermal steam is used directly for a number of industrial processing applications. It is also being used for electricity generation on a small but growing scale. Geothermal electric power units produce 422 MW, and a further expansion of 60MW will lift this total to 482 MW.