WGC2020+1 – Meet Icelandic geothermal specialist Verkís

Pamukören plant, Turkey (source: Verkís)

Alexander Richter 18 Oct 2021

Getting ready for the World Geothermal Congress 2020+1 starting Oct. 24, 2021 in Reykjavik, Iceland, ThinkGeoEnergy is collaborating with Green by Iceland and Iceland Geothermal, a cluster initiative by the Iceland geothermal energy sector on a short interview series.

Meet Signý Tryggvadóttir, M.Sc, Mechanical Engineer at Icelandic engineering group Verkís.  The company has a long and solid record of successful project planning for geothermal power plants and district heating from the early stage of project development. For decades, Verkís has provided consulting services to geothermal investors and developers, operators and financial organizations.

Verkís geothermal power portfolio encompasses projects from high temperature fields with direct steam plants (dry steam and flash), to low temperature fields utilizing binary cycles or Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), together with combined heat and power projects. We have participated in all geothermal power projects in Iceland since the onset of modern day geothermal utilization and have more recently been able to transfer our knowledge and know-how to other parts of the world such as Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

1. Any suggestions for WGC attendees that are “must-see” while they are in Iceland?

When I visit a new city, I like to start with a walking tour. Many cities in Europe have free (donation expected) walking tours, and Reykjavík is no exception. On these tours, you will see the heart of Reykjavík and get tips on other must-see places. I, therefore, recommend checking out CityWalk.

If you are interested in an ice, fire, and northern lights experience but are short on time, check out Perlan Museum. The exhibition offers an indoor ice cave, a planetarium showing northern lights and the experience of volcanic power, and more. Perlan’s observation deck also provides an excellent view of the city.

We currently have a volcanic eruption in Reykjanes, close to Reykjavík, which, if it is still ongoing, is a must-see if you enjoy hiking and the weather is agreeable. If you are not ending the hike too late, you can complete your trip with a dip in the Blue Lagoon, which is close to the eruption. Another enjoyable hike is Reykjadalur in Hveragerði, where you hike up to a warm river and bathe in it.

2. How did you come to work for Verkís, and how has this changed your view on sustainable energy?

For me, having been raised in Iceland, renewable energy has always been the standard. When I was studying engineering, I knew that I wanted to work in the energy sector, which meant working with geothermal and hydropower. Therefore, I chose to specialize in sustainable energy systems and went abroad for my studies. After a few years of studying and working away, I was looking to move back to Iceland, and I contacted Verkís since it is one of Iceland’s leading consultancies in geothermal. Luckily, I was offered a job in the geothermal department of the company. Which is exactly what I was looking for! Working for the company has shown me that Iceland is not unique with its renewable energy sources. Sustainable energy will increase in other parts of the world to make the energy transition from fossil fuel a reality.

3. Talk about your company’s area of expertise?

Verkís is an engineering consultancy, and in my experience with the company, it has a wide range of expertise in diverse sectors such as construction, energy, environment, industry, transport, and infrastructure. The company has the technical knowledge and experience in project management to meet the needs of a project from the concept stage to the completion of an investment. Therefore, Verkís can be involved in all aspects, from the complete design to the supervision of a power plant construction.

4. How many countries have you worked in with geothermal?

During my two years working for Verkís, I have mainly worked on projects in Iceland, but I have also worked on a project in Indonesia.

5. What is one of your favourite projects, and why?

My favourite project so far is the expansion of the Reykjanes Power Plant, where a 30 MW double flash bottoming plant is being added to a 100 MW plant. I am enjoying the project so much due to the broad experience I have gained from it. I have been involved in many aspects, from the design, tender documents, and procurement of the mechanical equipment of the power plant.

6. How do you see the long-term future for geothermal energy?

The technology is relatively simple, the knowledge of how to capture geothermal energy efficiently and economically is available, and I believe it holds immense potential. So, in the future, I think we will harness the potential of geothermal energy much more.

Meet Verkís at the World Geothermal Congress 2020+1, Oct. 24-27, 2021 at the Iceland Pavilion on the exhibition floors.