News

Landsvirkjun tests 4 boreholes at the Theistareykir project in Iceland

Landsvirkjun tests 4 boreholes at the Theistareykir project in Iceland Drilling rig on site at Theistareykir, Iceland
Alexander Richter 24 Oct 2010

Icelandic Landsvirkjun is conducting stress tests in the high temperature geothermal field Theistareykir in the northeast of Iceland, with four boreholes blowing steam to analyze the reservoir.

In news from Iceland, “Landsvirkjun, the national power company, reports that it is currently conducting a stress test of the high temperature geothermal area Theistareykir in northeast Iceland. For the first time four boreholes are blowing up steam at the same time.”

According to a release by the company, the testing will include the four holes to blow for a few months, to obtain information on the reservoir. The results of those tests will then be used to analyze the potential for the field, with final results expected towards the middle of 2011.

“The company Theistareykir ehf. has drilled six test holes in the area. Project leader Bjarni Pálsson said all of the holes are hot but the productivity varies. He states that the entire area is likely to produce at least 90-100 MW of electricity.

Continued drilling at Theistareykir will be determined by a joint environmental impact assessment of planned power plants and an aluminum smelter, along with energy sale. The evaluation of the area is being reviewed by the Icelandic National Planning Agency.”

Source: Iceland Review/ Morgunbladid