Work has begun on a new drilling site in the Krýsuvík geothermal area after the municipality of Hafnarfjörður approved permits for two new exploratory geothermal wells north of Bleikhóll, near Lake Kleifarvatn. A deep research well was drilled in the area last summer at Sveifluháls, and flow‑testing of that well will start next week.
The purpose of these investigations is to determine the potential of the Krýsuvík geothermal resource for producing hot water for Hafnarfjörður and the capital area, as well as generating electricity for the national grid. A geothermal power plant in this region would be considered an important national energy infrastructure project, strengthening energy security for Iceland’s most populated region.
Two wells from one drilling pad
Groundwork has started on a new drilling pad north of Bleikhóll, from which HS Orka will drill two new exploratory wells this summer and autumn. Special emphasis is placed on designing the pad to blend better with the landscape. Most material used for construction is sourced on‑site. Ellert Skúlason ehf. handles the earthworks, Strendingur ehf. oversees engineering supervision, and Jarðboranir will carry out the drilling, as they did at Sveifluháls last year. Drilling is expected to begin mid‑summer.
By drilling two wells from the same pad using directional drilling, a larger area can be explored while minimizing environmental disturbance compared to building two separate pads.
Flow‑testing of the first well
Next week, flow‑testing will begin on the first well drilled at Sveifluháls. After months in a heating phase, the well will be opened to measure steam and water output and pressure. This process, known as “blástur,” can last up to eight weeks and will inevitably produce noise and visible steam plumes. Chemical samples will also be taken to better understand the geothermal reservoir.
The results will help determine the well’s productivity, but a full assessment of the area’s potential will only be possible once the two new wells have also been drilled and tested.
Part of Iceland’s long‑term energy security
Geothermal research in Krýsuvík has a long history, dating back to 1756. Most of the area is classified for potential utilization under Iceland’s master plan for energy resources. After a severe storm in 2019, the government identified Krýsuvík as a key area for ensuring heating security for the capital region and Suðurnes. One of the government’s long‑term energy security measures includes evaluating the feasibility of a shared geothermal station in Krýsuvík for both regions.
