Theistareykir Geothermal Power Plant

Landsvirkjun has just completed the construction of a geothermal plant with a 90 MW capacity at Theistareykir [Icelandic: Þeistareykir] in NE Iceland. Over a period of 10 years, Landsvirkjun invested heavily in researching geothermal in the area. Mannvit, in collaboration with Verkis, handled the design of the power stations and preparation of tender documents for up to 90 MW of electricity.

The plant has two turbine units, each with a 45 MW capacity. The first 45 MW unit was commissioned in November 2017 and the 2nd 45 MW turbine in April 2018. Mannvit and Verkís worked on the design of the power plant and preparation of tender documents. Technical assistance will also be provided during construction and testing. Mannvit prepared project design reports, designed boreholes, oversaw technical supervision of the drilling of the current boreholes and evaluated the size of the geothermal area. Mannvit also carried out project design for high voltage lines and substations, as well as evaluating the environmental impact (EIA) and performing a joint EIA of high voltage lines and power plants in the area.

 

Five exploration wells were drilled in 2002 and 2003. The first production well drilled in 2002 was promising and yielded 6 MWe. In 2016 and 2017, 10 production wells were drilled, including one in the Krafla area, making the total number of wells at the Theistareykir 18, providing enough steam for the 1^st 90 MW phase. In fact, providing over 100 MW.

Landsvirkjun is owned by the Icelandic state and the country's largest electricity generator, processing 75% of all electricity used in Iceland from hydroelectric power, wind and geothermal energy. Landsvirkjun operates 17 power stations in Iceland.