Proposal for Sustainable Energy Solution to Power
Reykjavik University
Introduction
Energy plays a crucial role in the functioning of any institution, and Reykjavik University is no
exception. Reykjavik University (RU) is a private international university located in the Reykjavík
area of Garðabær, Iceland. RU is a dynamic international university with over 3700 registered
students and 250 permanent faculty and staff. The school is situated next to the Nautholsvik
geothermal beach, the Öskjuhlid recreational area, as well as a large tidal bay located west of
the university.
As a university situated in a country committed to sustainability, it is crucial to explore different
sustainable and clean alternatives to fossil fuels for the institution's electricity generation. Given
Reykjavik University's geographical advantages and Iceland's commitment to renewable energy,
this report will examine two potential energy sources for powering the school – Tidal and
Geothermal. The subsequent sections of this proposal will delve into the different implications
of each energy source and ultimately present the best solution for powering Reykjavik
University.
Reykjavik University (Source:En.ru.is )
1. Energy Transformation
To better understand the viability of tidal energy and geothermal energy, it is important to first
understand how these energy sources are transformed into electricity.
1.1 Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is power produced by the surge of ocean waters during predictable and regular
tidal movements – the rise and fall of tides—making it a reliable and consistent source of
renewable energy (“Tidal Energy”). The larger the tidal range (height difference between sea
level at low and high tide), the more power can be produced.
, Tides are a regular phenomenon. They occur in a cyclical pattern and can be accurately
predicted months and even years in advance, allowing us to know exactly when and how much
power is attainable (“Tidal Barrage”).
Tidal energy can be transformed into electricity through several ways. One of which is through
the tidal barrage. A tidal barrage is a type of hydroelectric structure that is built across an
estuary or bay and consists of a barrage of turbines and sluices, which are connected to the
shoreline by sluice gates.
Similar to hydroelectric dams, the sluice gates in a tidal barrage are used to create a reservoir on
one side of the barrage at high tide. The dam is secured to the bottom of the sea floor, while the
top is built slightly above the highest tide’s water level (“How does tidal power work?”). Tidal
turbines are placed along the bottom of the barrage inside a tunnel, which can capture the
energy from the flow of rising and falling tides after the reservoir is created. During an incoming
tide, water passes through the turbines as the water level rises and flows back through the
turbines as the tide recedes (“Tidal Energy”). These turbines are connected to a generator,
which converts the kinetic energy from tide flows into electricity, ready for immediate use or
storage. This continuous cycle allows for a reliable and sustainable source of electricity from the
ebb and flow of tides.
Source: Enclopedia Britannica
1.2 Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy refers to the heat energy stored beneath the Earth's surface, which can be
harnessed and utilized as a renewable source of power as heat is continuously produced inside
the earth. The internal heat of the earth is generated from radioactive decay of minerals and
continual heat loss from the Earth's original formation.
Reykjavik University
Introduction
Energy plays a crucial role in the functioning of any institution, and Reykjavik University is no
exception. Reykjavik University (RU) is a private international university located in the Reykjavík
area of Garðabær, Iceland. RU is a dynamic international university with over 3700 registered
students and 250 permanent faculty and staff. The school is situated next to the Nautholsvik
geothermal beach, the Öskjuhlid recreational area, as well as a large tidal bay located west of
the university.
As a university situated in a country committed to sustainability, it is crucial to explore different
sustainable and clean alternatives to fossil fuels for the institution's electricity generation. Given
Reykjavik University's geographical advantages and Iceland's commitment to renewable energy,
this report will examine two potential energy sources for powering the school – Tidal and
Geothermal. The subsequent sections of this proposal will delve into the different implications
of each energy source and ultimately present the best solution for powering Reykjavik
University.
Reykjavik University (Source:En.ru.is )
1. Energy Transformation
To better understand the viability of tidal energy and geothermal energy, it is important to first
understand how these energy sources are transformed into electricity.
1.1 Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is power produced by the surge of ocean waters during predictable and regular
tidal movements – the rise and fall of tides—making it a reliable and consistent source of
renewable energy (“Tidal Energy”). The larger the tidal range (height difference between sea
level at low and high tide), the more power can be produced.
, Tides are a regular phenomenon. They occur in a cyclical pattern and can be accurately
predicted months and even years in advance, allowing us to know exactly when and how much
power is attainable (“Tidal Barrage”).
Tidal energy can be transformed into electricity through several ways. One of which is through
the tidal barrage. A tidal barrage is a type of hydroelectric structure that is built across an
estuary or bay and consists of a barrage of turbines and sluices, which are connected to the
shoreline by sluice gates.
Similar to hydroelectric dams, the sluice gates in a tidal barrage are used to create a reservoir on
one side of the barrage at high tide. The dam is secured to the bottom of the sea floor, while the
top is built slightly above the highest tide’s water level (“How does tidal power work?”). Tidal
turbines are placed along the bottom of the barrage inside a tunnel, which can capture the
energy from the flow of rising and falling tides after the reservoir is created. During an incoming
tide, water passes through the turbines as the water level rises and flows back through the
turbines as the tide recedes (“Tidal Energy”). These turbines are connected to a generator,
which converts the kinetic energy from tide flows into electricity, ready for immediate use or
storage. This continuous cycle allows for a reliable and sustainable source of electricity from the
ebb and flow of tides.
Source: Enclopedia Britannica
1.2 Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy refers to the heat energy stored beneath the Earth's surface, which can be
harnessed and utilized as a renewable source of power as heat is continuously produced inside
the earth. The internal heat of the earth is generated from radioactive decay of minerals and
continual heat loss from the Earth's original formation.
