We’re more than accustomed to our “dear” Popo, the volcano called Popocatepetl, which normally monopolizes all eyes. However, it’s not the only volcano that exists. There’s another that’s becoming even better known. In an era where the future of humanity depends on finding clean energies, volcanoes can generate a large amount of energy, and this new volcano is the one that everyone’s looking at closely.
## There is another volcano that is monopolizing all eyes and can be the Icelandic model
Located in the Neovolcanic axis Transverse, the Iztaccíhuatl could have a key role in the energy future of Mexico. Volcanoes are able to generate a large amount of energy, and this new volcano is the one that everyone’s looking at closely. We live in an era in which the future of humanity depends precisely on finding clean energies. If not, the future of all of us can be uncertain. And this is where the fury of the volcano enters.
## Iceland already has an ongoing project that implies the energy of volcanoes
Iceland, one of the leading countries in this field, has opted strongly for geothermal energy. Now, it’s looking to step up with the Krafla Magma Testbe project. This plan, led by a team of professionals in the sector, aims to pierce a magma camera located at some 2 km deep near the Krafla volcano. The goal is simple to say, but not so easy to do: take advantage of the heat of magma, that can reach no less than 1000 ° C, in order to generate energy much more efficiently than that of the usual geothermal models that exist. This project is estimated to start in just one year, in 2026. A project that can change the way in which we produce renewable energy throughout the planet.
The Iztaccíhuatl is not, or rather, it is not considered an active volcano today. But the really important thing is that it is part of the same geological system that has other volcanoes with fully proven activity. Its internal structure and the proximity that it has to other heat sources makes it a perfect candidate to explore large-scale geothermal energy. All this relying on the model led by Iceland, that will see the light next year. The fact of implementing a similar model in this volcano, the Iztaccíhuatl, can contribute a renewable energy source for Mexico. Thus, it could stop depending on fossil fuels as it does today.
## The potential of Iztaccíhuatl in Mexico
In addition to that, the study of magma itself can improve the volcanic surveillance of the area and, most importantly, help prevent natural disasters such as those that happen in many parts of the world. Taking advantage of Iztaccíhuatl’s energy is not free of challenges. Drilling in volcanic areas implies risks such as earthquakes or toxic gas emissions. In addition, initial investment in technology and geological studies is not exactly somewhat lower.
## Challenges and opportunities for the most unique volcano
However, if Mexico is committed to doing this research and is committed to being an innovation model, it is possible that it is proclaimed as a leader in geothermal energy within Latin America. Something that, without a doubt, can have positive repercussions for the whole country. The Iztaccíhuatl can become a natural laboratory for the development of clean energy technologies, as has happened to Krafla in Iceland. The Icelandic KMT project opens a whole window of opportunities for countries with volcanic activity, and Mexico does not have to be left behind. With due research and planning, the Iztaccíhuatl could be key to a future where the energy is clean and pure.