The plans of Iceland utility Reykjavik Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavikur, OR) to develop geothermal energy capacity around the world have won the support of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for MHI to participate in Reykjavik Energy’s development plans, which include projects in Africa. They have also agreed to collaborate on green energy projects within Iceland including production of synthetic fuel as a clean alternative fuel for transportation such as ships, and the establishment of an infrastructure for verification testing of electric vehicles (EV).
Specifically, the two companies will identify and verify the geothermal power potential of possible projects and will also collaborate on other areas of project development, including equipment supply and plant operation. MHI has been providing Reykjavik Energy with geothermal power plant equipment for two decades.
Reykjavik Energy is the world’s largest per-capita producer of geothermal power. Together with MHI it will also embark on a project to produce synthetic fuel as a clean alternative fuel for transport, and on the establishment of an infrastructure for verification testing of electric vehicles. All these projects are part of Iceland’s undertaking to realise a zero-emissions society by 2050.
MHI and Mitsubishi Corporation first undertook to contribute to Iceland's clean energy policy with the signing of an MOU with the Icelandic government in September 2008. Since then MHI has co-operated in studies of dimethyl ether (DME) production from gas associated with geothermal power generation and the establishment of an EV verification testing infrastructure. The latest MOU will further accelerate these initiatives.
To date MHI has delivered or received orders for a total of 15 geothermal power plants for Iceland, including 13 units to OR, and has delivered more than 100 units globally.
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