How do Icelanders heat their homes?
With only 300,000 inhabitants, Iceland does not have a lot of homes. However, the nation’s arctic temperatures make heating an essential part of life.Geothermal PowerIceland rests on a series of volcanoes. Icelanders have tapped into the hot rocks as an energy source called geothermal power.HistoryIceland built a school in 1930, which became the first building to be heated with hot water extracted from the earth.Volcanic HeatNearly 95 percent of Iceland’s homes are heated from geothermal power. Geothermal power also powers lights in homes and restaurants and provides hot water. Icelanders commonly have backyard hot tubs filled with hot geothermal spring water.DevelopmentIn the 1960s, Iceland used oil to heat most homes. However, the capital Reykjavik decided to tap into underground hot water sources. A system of pipes were built throughout the city to circulate hot water through radiators in homes, according to NPR.org.Power PlantsIcelanders have also built a power plant that produces
