Hellisheidi Geothermal Exhibition

Hellisheidi is one of the largest geothermal power stations in the world, generating electricity and hot water for the capital region from the Hengill volcanic system, and the exhibition is built inside the plant with windows onto the turbine hall. It explains how the steam is taken from depth, separated and used, and how the district heating network works. The part that draws attention now is Carbfix: carbon dioxide from the plant is dissolved in water and pumped into the basalt beneath, where it reacts with the rock and mineralises into carbonate within a couple of years - a process developed here and now watched internationally.

The main sights

• Inside a working power station - windows onto the turbine hall.
• Steam taken from depth - the mechanics of the plant explained.
• Carbfix - carbon dioxide mineralised into basalt underground.
• The capital's heat and power - where both actually come from.

When to go

Year round; it sits on the main road over the pass. Two hours.

What to expect

It is an industrial site and reads like one - visitors expecting scenery are in the wrong place. The exhibition is compact. The pass can close in winter storms, which is the practical constraint on visiting.

Nearby

Hveragerdi and Reykjadalur are east; Reykjavik is half an hour west.