Drilling in Geldinganes, Reykjavik, Iceland (supply: Veitur)
Exploration of two new geothermal techniques in Reykjavik by Veitur has been profitable, doubtlessly rising warmth provide capability to the Icelandic capital.
District heating firm Veitur, subsidiary of Reykjavik Vitality (Orkuveita Reykjavíkur / OR), has introduced the invention of latest low-temperature geothermal sources at two websites inside the metropolis of Reyjavik in Iceland. With this, the usable reserve of warmth provide has considerably expanded to serve the rising demand of the Icelandic capital.
Veitur had beforehand introduced plans for exploratory geothermal drilling at two websites in Reykjavik, particularly Kjalarnes and Geldinganes. Drilling operations are nonetheless ongoing, however Veitur can affirm that sizzling water certainly exists at each drilling websites.
Heating in Reykjavik is at the moment equipped by sizzling water from the Nesjavellir and Hellisheði energy vegetation, in addition to 4 low-temperature areas in Mosfellsbær (Reykjum and Reykjahlíð) and Reykjavík (Laugarnesinu and Elliðaárdal). The invention of two extra low-temperature zones inside the metropolis limits is a really optimistic end result, as the necessity for power for home heating and financial exercise within the space is continually rising consistent with the rising society.
Outcomes from drilling
Drilling of analysis wells in Kjalarnes began in 2022, already indicating that there’s a robust temperature anomaly on the far finish of Brimnes. It was then determined to drill two analysis wells to depths of about 800 meters. This autumn, the primary effectively, SV-08, was drilled and confirmed sizzling water at 100 °C. A preliminary check additionally indicated flowrates of virtually 40 L/s.
Additional assessments will nonetheless be wanted to verify the capability of the brand new system, however early estimates point out that it may well produce as much as 200 L/s of sizzling water in Brimnes. This corresponds to the wants of about 10,000 folks.
In Geldinganes, effectively R-44 was drilled this November and tapped sizzling water at 90 °C and flowrates are estimated at about 20 L/s.
Future plans and different exploration work
When the work in SV-08 in Brimnes is accomplished within the subsequent few days, the rig will then transfer 300 meters south to the placement of effectively SV-09. Extra wells are deliberate to be drilled within the coming years, but when all goes to plant, water from Brimnes could be launched to the system inside 3 to five years.
A protracted-term manufacturing check shall be achieved on effectively R-44 in Geldinganes as soon as drilling has been accomplished. Info from this check will then be instrumental in planning the drilling of future wells.
Veitur can be drilling analysis wells in different areas to raised map the place geothermal power could be discovered. When the drilling of effectively R-44 in Kjalarnes is completed, the drill will transfer east to Laugalandi in Holtum, the place a effectively shall be drilled that can hopefully be used to extend manufacturing for Rangárveita.
Veitur additionally has geothermal prospecting tasks underway in a number of areas the place skinny and shallow wells are drilled for geothermal prospecting.
Intensive geothermal analysis has been carried out in Kjalarnes and Laugalandi in recent times, and the outcomes of these research have been used to find the wells we’re drilling now this fall and winter in Brimnes and Laugalandi in Holtum. Geothermal analysis is at the moment underway at Borg á Mýrum and Álftanes, and within the close to future analysis drilling will start in Ásahreppi. Exploration wells are additionally being drilled on the southern facet of Grafarvog (at Sævarhöfða and Stórhöfða).
Veitur’s plans embody following up the exploratory drilling that has been achieved this 12 months at Álftanes and Borg á Mýrum with deeper drilling that can decide whether or not usable geothermal power could be discovered there.
Supply: Veitur
