Aquaculture Companies Flock to Iceland's Geothermal Seafood Production Hub

April 10, 2025 – Undercurrent News

In an exciting development for the aquaculture industry, a specialized aquaculture park in Iceland is drawing an increasing number of seafood producers eager to leverage its unique geothermal resources. These resources allow for the cultivation of warmwater fish species, a significant advancement in aquaculture operations.

A Unique Facility

Located at the HS Orka geothermal power plant on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the facility uses warm water from volcanic lava, mixed with cold Arctic seawater, to create ideal growing conditions for various marine species. Stolt Sea Farm (SSF) was the first to establish operations at this location a decade ago, primarily focusing on the farming of sole fish.

James Hall, SSF's aquaculture development manager, explained, “The warm water could be mixed with cold seawater, giving the perfect temperature for sole of 22ºC all year round.” This temperature stability allows for consistent and efficient fish farming throughout the year.

Expanding Opportunities

The facility has expanded beyond SSF’s initial sole farming. It now accommodates companies such as Aurora Abalone and Icelandic Sturgeon, with plans for further diversification that includes a seaweed cultivation enterprise. Aurora's CEO, Vala Valthorsdottir, shared that her company is relocating its on-growing operations to the park in light of recent volcanic activity near Grindavik, which disrupted their original plans. "Whether we move all operations there will ultimately depend on how the local environment evolves; we're staying flexible and prioritizing stability for the business," she noted.

Icelandic Sturgeon plans to enhance its sustainable caviar production through this facility, benefiting from the shared infrastructure and customized water temperatures for diverse species. Jon Asgeirsson, executive vice president of strategy at HS Orka, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Together with the land-based salmon farm project of Samherji Fiskeldi, this is a testament to the value of geothermal energy and the unique conditions HS Orka has to offer.”

Future Prospects

The popularity of this geothermal seafood production hub may signal a shift in aquaculture practices as companies recognize the benefits of sustainable and efficient farming methods. With several businesses already establishing operations and more considering a move to this innovative aquaculture park, Iceland is poised to become a leader in the seafood production industry.

As the landscape of aquaculture continues to evolve, the synergy between geothermal energy and marine farming reflects a promising future for sustainable seafood production in Iceland.