Monitoring Energy Improvements in Rural Areas of Western Iceland: Grundarfjörður
The current energy infrastructure in rural areas of western Iceland, including Grundarfjörður, is insufficient to meet future energy demands. As cities work towards becoming zero-emission areas, local solutions must be implemented quickly.
However, we need more awareness and knowledge to make immediate and effective changes. Our project (HYBES) has been launched to address this issue. It focuses on creating innovative and sustainable energy solutions. One of the three HYBES projects that the Environment and Energy Agency of Iceland is part of is an initiative in Grundarfjörður that aims to improve local energy efficiency and sustainability.
Energy Conversion in Grundarfjörður
Grundarfjörður has high heating costs for homes, businesses, and institutions. To lower these costs, the town uses available resources and energy-efficient technologies.
One major issue has been the swimming pool, which has only been open seasonally since it was built about 50 years ago. The old oil boiler couldn't provide enough heat for year-round use and was too expensive to operate. In August 2023, the town received a 40 million krónur grant from the Energy Fund to convert the swimming pool and primary school heating system.
Previously, local schools, music schools, sports halls, and the swimming pool relied on oil for heating. This led to high costs and significant carbon dioxide emissions. These facilities used about 130,000 litres of oil each year, which caused around 300 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Through the energy conversion project, these buildings use heat pumps for heating. This change has eliminated emissions from burning oil. Modern heat pumps are also more efficient, significantly reducing heating costs compared to oil-based heating.
Implementation and Results
The construction phase started in the summer of 2023 when workers drilled ten thermal wells south of the sports hall. Nine of these wells can be used, each providing a heat output of 22-24 kW. In 2024, the team installed connections and completed the system.
The system works as a closed-loop network that collects heat. Heat moves through main pipes to five large heat pumps and three heat storage tanks, all located in the sports hall's basement. The total power of the heat pumps is estimated at 240 kW, which is enough to heat the buildings and the swimming pool.
On January 16, 2025, the team successfully turned on the heat pumps, completing the project. This energy-efficient system has given the municipality valuable experience and knowledge that will help with future energy projects. The project in Grundarfjörður is an essential step toward a sustainable future. It shows how rural communities can shift to cleaner, cost-effective energy solutions.
