Geothermal Wastewater Management to Create a Circular Economy: Taking Advantage of the Abundant Thermal Wastewater in Iceland

Iceland is a geologically active land and home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes and the largest glaciers in Europe. In this northern sea island, water is the most influential element in the economy and planning strategy of islanders’ everyday life. Water comes in all forms, both as a provider and a threat. Water is a crucial element for Icelandic industry development, which is one of the pioneers in hydropower and geothermal energy production. This commentary is a synthesis of different Icelandic case studies to manage geothermal wastewater in a circular economy to reduce the environmental impact of such wastewater.