Prepare expansion of Theistareykir
In recent quarters, Landsvirkjun has prepared the expansion of Theistareykir power plant north of Mývatn.
There is also a project that involves improving the utilization of high pressure steam for energy production.
This is considered possible because vapor pressure in the areas has been considerably higher than originally expected.
Landsvirkjun’s first plans assumed that the expansion of Theistareykir would be completed by 2028. It is already clear that this will not happen, as the power plant and utilization permit is not yet available. Applications for a power plant and utilization license are currently being processed by the Environment and Orkustofnun, says Ragnhildur Sverrisdóttir, Landsvirkjun’s information officer.
When the permits are available, the aim is to take the first steps in enlargement plans.
« Our plans for construction are constantly being re -evaluated and it also applies to further expansion of Theistareyki stations, as we always make the effort to ensure the greatest efficiency in operations. The position of this project will therefore be better clarified as the year progresses, » says Ragnhildur.
Theistareykustöð was the first geothermal power plant that Landsvirkjun built from the ground up. It was launched on November 17, 2017, when the previous 45 megawatt machine assembly was started.
Jónas Ketilsson, senior project manager for the expansion of Theistareyki station, says that there are now two machine assemblies in operation, each with a lovely 45 MW in electric power.
This is how Theistareykastöð will look after enlargement. It was put into operation in 2017 and has proved successful.
Computer image/Landsvirkjun
A machine assembly added
Landsvirkjun’s application now expects to add to the third machine group, 45 MW.
Environmental assessment assumes up to four engine sections as well as top engines, a total of up to 209.9 MW.
Jonas says that the dynamic nature of the geothermal energy makes it best to learn well with each geothermal system individually through extensive research and powerful resource control to increase understanding of the nature of the geothermal resource.
A lovely electric power is estimated on the basis of the given assumptions for pressure and heat, and it may be that the energy can be used even better than the lovely power indicates. Therefore, Landsvirkjun applied for 180 MW in electrical power for three machinery assemblies, as well as top engines.
Now the issue is waiting for utilization and power plant licenses. So far, the hardware for increased electricity generation has not been ordered, as licenses are not yet available.
But how can you improve the utilization of high pressure steam for energy production?
« This could be likened to the whipping cream from the milk, » says Jónas for explanation.
« » Our original assumptions did not allow for the cream flag that can give us all this extra electricity. First vapor into the so -called Top machine, we manage to emulate the cream from the milk before the steam is returned to the current Theistareykastöð. «
Jónas says that this progress step is therefore in line with the government’s strategy for improved energy efficiency and gives Landsvirkjun more benefits without increasing the uptake of the resource, with sustainable utilization and responsible resource management as a guiding principle.
The so -called Top Machine will be able to donate about 25 MW in electricity if Landsvirkjun’s expectations are followed.
