Iceland – The construction has started on the upgraded Silverstone, the CO2 capture plant at Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Iceland.
This upgrade represents a significant step forward in the quest for carbon neutrality, as it enables the capture of almost all carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide emissions from the power plant. The ambitious goal is to have Silverstone, known as Steingerður in Icelandic, operating at full capacity by 2025, thereby establishing Hellisheiði ON Power plant as the world’s first nearly carbon-neutral geothermal power plant.
Project significance
The current iteration of Silverstone, operational since 2014, already captures approximately 30% of carbon dioxide and 75% of hydrogen sulphide emitted by the power plant. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through the utilization of Carbfix technology. In recognition of its potential, the project received a grant of ISK 600 million from the European Union’s Innovation Fund in 2021.
The significance of this project extends beyond the borders of Iceland. It is projected to contribute significantly to the country’s Climate Action Plan, accounting for 10% of the targeted emissions reduction within the energy and industrial sectors by 2030, which are not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Carbon-neutral operations
The upgraded Silverstone CO2 capture plant at Hellisheiðarvirkjun holds immense potential and promises numerous benefits. By effectively capturing and neutralizing harmful emissions, it helps mitigate the impact of geothermal power generation on the environment. The successful implementation of this technology sets an inspiring precedent for other geothermal power plants worldwide, showcasing the possibility of achieving near carbon-neutral operations.
