These systems tap into fairly cooler geothermal energy, yielding lower performance. Taking advantage of the lava chambers higher temperature levels might substantially increase the energy supply, making it more powerful than conventional wells. Water in the lava chamber isnt gathered as steam as holds true with other geothermal plants however rather as “supercritical” water– water that is so hot and pressurized it is neither exactly liquid nor steam. A single lava geothermal plant might produce at least ten times more power than a standard geothermal plant.
The endeavor promises to power homes across Iceland with an eco-friendly, unlimited energy source. And no, this will not trigger the presently active Krafla volcano to appear, according to John Eichelberger, a volcanologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks spoke with by New Scientist..
An initiative that sounds a lot like Jules Vernes Journey to the Center of the Earth may mark the very first time people have actually tapped into magma, the molten rock liquid flowing underneath Earths crust. In 2026, Icelands Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) task will drill into a volcanos lava chamber, looking for to tap into its super-hot fumes to create geothermal energy at a scale that has never been tried before.
At the time, from the energy business point of view, exposing magma rather than hot steam was seen as a failure. Icelands journey to the lavas heart is not just about energy.
KMT scientists are still explore the ideal materials that can hold up against these conditions in anticipation of the first dull slated for 2026. If effective, KMT may not just provide copious amounts of energy however also advance science by supplying new tools for volcanic tracking and eruption prediction.
Credit: Abigail Malate/ Inside Science.
Credit: DALL-E 3.
At the time, from the energy companies point of view, exposing magma rather than hot steam was seen as a failure. Later on it became obvious even for the energy companies that the economic capacity is tremendous.
Geothermal energy, an innovation utilized by Iceland for years, involves drilling into hot underground regions to produce steam from heated water. This steam drives turbines, creating electrical energy. Today, at least 90% of all homes in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy and 70% of all energy utilized in the island nation originates from geothermal sources.
Krafla stands as one of the worlds most active volcanic areas, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge tectonic limit. It has actually seen various eruptions, the latest being in 1984. In spite of its volatile nature, Kraflas special geological position makes it a perfect site for this pioneering geothermal job.
Powerful technical challenges.
Tapping into the magma chambers higher temperature levels could considerably boost the energy supply, making it more powerful than traditional wells. Water in the magma chamber isnt collected as steam as is the case with other geothermal plants but rather as “supercritical” water– water that is so hot and pressurized it is neither exactly liquid nor steam. A single lava geothermal plant could produce at least 10 times more power than a conventional geothermal plant.
Its lava chamber, where temperature levels skyrocket up to up to 2,372 ° F (1,300 ° C), is positioned just 1-2 miles below the surface. This makes drilling into the magma chamber both reasonably easy and incredibly challenging; easy since the chambers depth is shallow, difficult because the drill bits require to stand up to the heat without melting.
We know for sure it can be done because in 2009 a nearby Icelandic geothermal plant inadvertently drilled into Kraflas magma chamber. The event exposed crucial insights about the liquid state and dynamic interactions of the lava, although the drills steel housings were eliminated while doing so. On the bright side, this attack likewise revealed that exposing the lava chamber does not trigger volcanoes to emerge.
Utilizing the Earths heat.
Eventually, lava chamber drilling will provide an unprecedented opportunity to observe a volcanic eruption from its source. Volcanologists have long depended on indirect approaches to study magma. The KMT job will permit researchers to study lava up close through direct tasting for the very first time.
As such, Icelands journey to the magmas heart is not just about energy. The KMT task might transform our understanding of volcanic activity, continental development, and even geothermal energy. Its a strong action both into a brand-new era of renewable power and a much deeper understanding of our planets intense depths.
