Geothermal power plants in North-east Iceland
We are currently carrying out research and other preparatory work relating to new geothermal power plants in the geothermal areas at Theistareykir and Gjástykki in Thingeyjarsýsla, and at Krafla and Bjarnarflag, where we have our current geothermal installations. A regional plan pertaining to this initiative was approved in January 2008.
Preparatory work on installations in these geothermal areas is in accordance with the Alcoa statement of intent dated May 2006 and sent to the Icelandic government, Húsavík District Council, Landsvirkjun and Theistareikir Ltd. regarding the proposed aluminium smelter at Bakki, near Húsavík, and its electricity supply.
The proposed production capacity of the smelter is 250,000 tonnes per annum, which will require an installed capacity of around 400 MW plus reserve capacity. The first phases of the smelter and the power plant are scheduled to open in 2012, and the project will be completed by 2015.
- Landsvirkjun operates a 60 MW installation at Krafla. There is a proposal to increase its capacity to 120-150 MW.
- Landsvirkjun operates a 3 MW installation at Bjarnarflag. An environmental impact assessment is due for approval regarding a new 90 MW power plant on this site.
- Landsvirkjun and Theistareykir Ltd. are together investigating the geothermal area at Theistareykir, the proposed site of a 150 MW installation.
- Investigations are underway into the geothermal area at Gjástykki, which is regarded as an additional site in case the other areas do not yield sufficient levels of energy.
