| Title | Development of the 400 MW Northeast Iceland Geothermal Project |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bjarni Pálsson, Árni Gunnarsson, Kristinn Ingason, Ásgrimur Gudmundsson, Hreinn Hjartarson |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Geothermal, Iceland, Krafla, Námafjall, Bjarnaflag, Theistareykir, Gjástykki, Exploration, Drilling |
| Abstract | Since 2005, Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, and Theistareykir Ltd have joint forces to develop four high enthalpy geothermal fields within 30 km radius in Northeast Iceland to create a sufficiently power capacity to attract power intensive industry into the area, Landsvirkjun to develop Krafla, Bjarnarflag and Gjástykki and Theistareykir Ltd to develop Theistareykir. One alternative could be a 250,000 tonne aluminum smelter in the town of Husavik, requiring 400 MWe that could potentially start operation in 2015. If the project goes through, it would be the first large aluminum smelter only powered by geothermal energy and at the same time, the geothermal development project would be one of world largest geothermal project. This project is referred to as the Northeast Iceland Geothermal Project This paper presents an overview of the preparation phases for this extensive geothermal project, including surface exploration, exploration drilling, power plant design strategy, planning and environmental impact assessment. |