Teachers from across Iceland recently visited Hellisheiði Power Plant on an educational field trip focused on climate action, sustainable energy utilization, and innovation. The visit aimed to deepen teachers’ understanding of the solutions and projects developed at Hellisheiði and to provide insights that can support the teaching of environmental and climate-related topics.
The programme began at the ON Geothermal Exhibition, where participants received an introduction from Exhibition Manager Laufey Guðmundsdóttir. She presented the exhibition’s role in inspiring interest in geoscience, energy, and the climate challenges facing society today.
Dr Ingunn Gunnarsdóttir, Innovation Leader at ON Power, welcomed the group on behalf of the company and introduced ON’s operations, the sustainable utilization of geothermal resources at Hellisheiði, and the wide range of projects that have emerged from the resource. She also presented the ON Geothermal Park, where companies and entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions based on the cascading use of geothermal energy, as well as Reykjavík Energy’s Deep Drilling Project.
The teachers also gained valuable insight into the work of Carbfix and the science behind the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in rock formations. Dr Kári Helgason explained the journey of carbon from the atmosphere to mineralization, demonstrating how carbon has naturally been stored in rocks for millions of years and placing this process in the broader context of climate change.
Dr Katrín Steinþórsdóttir presented the research and geology underpinning Carbfix’s projects and discussed how the technology can be applied beyond Iceland. She highlighted the significant potential for carbon mineralization in Icelandic rock formations and placed this opportunity within the wider portfolio of solutions needed to address global warming. Foremost among these is the transition to renewable energy sources, a priority area in which ON Power has played a leading role through the responsible stewardship of Iceland’s natural resources.
The visit was marked by strong engagement and lively discussions on climate issues, geology, innovation, and the future of energy. The teachers asked numerous questions and shared ideas on how complex scientific concepts can be communicated effectively to students and how interest in science and sustainability can be fostered among young people.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, science, and education. By providing insight into real-world energy and climate projects, such initiatives help build understanding of both the challenges facing society and the solutions being developed for the future.
We would like to thank the teachers for their visit, their interest in ON Power’s activities, and the engaging discussions throughout the day.
