Two exploratory wells to be drilled for Theistareykir geothermal expansion, Iceland

Theistareykir geothermal power plant by Landsvirkjun, Iceland (source: Hreinn Hjartarson)

Landsvirkjun and Iceland Drilling (Jardboranir hf.) have agreed to drill two exploratory wells in preparation of the planned expansion of the 90-MW Theistareykir geothermal power plant. Drilling is expected to start on the summer of 2023.

We first reported on the planned 45-MW expansion of the Theistareykir geothermal power plant earlier this year. Even at the early stages of planning, it was known that additional drilling will be needed for the expansion plans to materialize.

The Theistareykir geothermal power plant was commissioned in 2018 and is considered to have one of the smallest carbon footprints among geothermal plants. According to a release by Landsvirkjun, the company has now restarted investigations into the possibilities of expanding the power plant and that the drilling of two exploratory wells is an important factor.

“Jardboranir hf. will contribute to the work the drill Thór, the company’s newest and most advanced drill. The aim is to drill the wells with electricity from the Theistareykir station, which saves the use of several hundred thousand liters of fossil fuel. The drilling itself is therefore an important factor in further reducing the power plant’s carbon footprint.

This will be the first time that geothermal wells operated by Landsvirkjun are drilled with an electric drill. High-voltage cables have been laid around the Theistareykir area to facilitate that work,” says the announcement.

Source: mbl.is