Generating Clean Power

The rain came down in buckets today. Luckily, we were inside for most of the day. After listening to a lecture on energy economics, we set out to visit two power generating systems. The first was a geothermal plant that provides the city of Reykjavík with electricity and heat. Then, we got to see a retired hydroelectric plant from the 1920's. 

Cool fact about Iceland: In 2014, roughly 85% of primary energy use came from indigenous renewable resources.

Machine room of the geothermal plant.

Turbine in the workshop of the geothermal plant.

Retired hydroelectric plant.

Giant turbine of the hydro plant.

Foreign food quirks.

Things Are Heating Up

Today we traveled to Reykjaviík University for a morning of classes. We heard from professors on the natural history of Iceland, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric generation. After class, we went to a geothermal kitchen to have lunch. They use the natural heat from the earth to cook for their restaurant. I realized I have had mushroom soup for 3 days straight, and I didn't think twice about getting it again!

In the afternoon we hiked up to a hot spring in the mountains where we went swimming. The scenery was breathtaking!

Lunch at the Geothermal Kitchen

Some of our crew, including our leaders Bjarni and Taylor!

Hills of Iceland

Getting to the headwaters

Beautiful valleys

Hot springs!

Tectonic Plate Hopping

I got my first real geologic glimpse of Iceland today. We all met this morning at the airport and started getting to know each other. Our leaders took us in a bus to the contact between the North American and Eurasian plates (geology geek moment!) We walked down into the black, sandy, valley and physically stood on the boundary.

From there, we traveled to a hot spring location to see geysers and a geothermal plant (from a distance). Picturesque homes and lighthouses surround the area, accompanied by signs describing the lore of ghosts, trolls and elves. We made it to the shore, where the old lavas flows come into contact with the ocean. The area is quite beautiful!

Eurasian plate (left) and North American plate (right)

Typical Icelandic countryside

Old lava flows meeting the Atlantic

The Land of Fire and Ice

Today I landed in Reykjavík, Iceland, to begin my adventure into the land of fire and ice. This was the first time that I have been off the continental North America, so I was filled with excitement and slight anxiety. We landed in a place that looked like the moon: barren and rocky. But, somehow life sustains here.

You may be wondering why I am here. Other than the cool geology and intriguing folklore, I am here on a mission. Over the next 10 days, I will be participating in the GREEN Program (Global Renewable Energy Education Network) with about 30 or so other student. We will gain exposure to Iceland’s renewable energy and sustainability systems, as well as complete a “capstone” project, a business model for some form of sustainability.

The program officially begins tomorrow, so in order to burn off some jetlag, a few of us explored Reykjavík. We got to see the famous church, Hallgrímskirkja, and the statue of Leif Erikson out front.  There is an interesting juncture of traditional Icelandic culture and modern/western influences. You may be walking by cafés and shops with puffins and Icelandic wool sweaters, and then come across a Dunkin Donuts or Chuck Norris Bar. It makes you shake your head a bit in amusement. I must say, though, the food here is wonderful. Mushroom soup is very satisfying!

Flying into Keflavík, Iceland   

Hallgrímskirkja and Leif Erikson

Fusion of cultures    

Great soup!

Energy Flows

I was searching the internet for inspiration to start my blog on energy. In reality, I was just procrastinating from doing school work, but I managed to come across a sticky (see bottom).

For those who don't know, I will be interning at the Department of Energy in Maryland this summer. I have the opportunity to look at how water is being used and reused by many types of industries. At the end of the summer, I will be participating in a 10-day program in Iceland looking at renewable energies and sustainability. 

Crazy, huh?

Right now, I need to channel my attention toward finals, as they are quickly approaching. Hopefully the energy will flow where my attention goes!

Why blog?

Most of the time, I am going, going, going--like the Energizer Bunny. As much as I enjoy traveling and experiencing new things, I enjoy sharing life even more. So, blogging allows me to share snippets of life with people who I can't physically be with, but care much about. I have been incredibly blessed and wish to share that with all those around me, even in spirit.

My summer will be jam-packed with energy, which I hope doesn't drain me of my spunk. From the DOE to Iceland, Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, I hope you can walk with me for this bit of time.