Hellisheiði Power Station

History

Electricity production with two 45 MW turbines commenced in 2006. In 2007, an additional low-pressure steam turbine of 33 MW was added. In 2008, two 45 MW turbines were added with steam from Skarðsmýrarfjall Mountain. The hot water plant was introduced in 2010 and the last two high pressure 45 MW turbines were added in 2011. In order to reduce hydrogen sulphide pollution in the capital area, a system was added to the plant in 2014 which reinjects non-condensable gases into the ground. In 2020, the hot water production was increased to 200 MWth to meet the increased district heating demand as the capital area expands.

Renewed drilling

In 2016, the operator, ON, announced a program of new drilling to deal with falling steam levels, which had first become apparent in 2013. The program was expected in 2017 to cost 19 billion Icelandic crowns to maintain a steady electric output.