Craters in the heart of the volcano

In Iceland, people are preparing to drill into the magma reserve of a volcano in order to extract heat from it. This is the principle of geothermal energy, but in a new place.

Geothermal energy is actually the energy we get thanks to the heat of our planet. The fluid is usually circulated to a certain depth, for example, injecting water into a crack. The liquid heats up and rises, and is charged with thermal energy that can be converted into electricity.

Proximity to heat

Iceland does not lack volcanoes to warm its interior. Geothermal energy Saves 90% The heating And more than 25% of electricity.

But until now, drilling has only aimed to go down deep enough to get that heat, and proximity to volcanic magma takes care of the rest.

While with the project Krafla magmawhich should officially start in 2026, we decided To go and draw directly In a “pocket” or “chamber” of magma. When they reach the surface, these molten rocks fully or partially “empty” as lava – sometimes spectacularly.