The Hellisheidi power plant, which provides energy for Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, pumps up volcanically heated water to run its turbines. With initial signs of success, in 2014 Reyjavik Energy started injecting carbon dioxide at the rate of 5,000 tonnes per year. In the process, it also brings up volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. This method can be used in the future by power plants to store large amounts of carbon dioxide safely in basalt rocks. Here is how it works: When basalt is combined with carbon dioxide and water, a series of natural chemical reactions follow, resulting in carbon solidifying into a whitish, chalky mineral.

Source: Mint June 10, 2016 08:48 UTC