The air purification system named Steingerður, which was inaugurated last year at the Hellisheiði Power Plant, has been credited with capturing nearly all gases emitted by the facility, resulting in a reported 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from Orku náttúrunnar plants compared to the previous year. This significant decrease in emissions highlights the effectiveness of the technology in addressing environmental concerns associated with geothermal energy production.

Historically, the process of harnessing geothermal energy has resulted in considerable amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere, with Hellisheiði alone contributing around 40,000 tons annually. The implementation of the Steingerður facility presents a promising direction for the energy sector, underscoring the potential for technology to mitigate the impact of renewable energy sources on climate change. Additionally, the Nesjavellir Power Plant has also been noted for releasing approximately 10,000 tons of CO2 each year.

With expectations set for further reductions in emissions in the current year, the new air purification facility at Hellisheiði could serve as a model for other geothermal plants worldwide. The advancements in emissions control technology not only demonstrate Iceland's commitment to sustainable energy practices but also provide essential insights into managing the environmental footprint of geothermal energy production more effectively.