Seismic activity reveals promising geothermal well for Suðurnes region in Iceland

Seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula has revealed a promising geothermal well that may provide hot water to the Suðurnes region in the event of a disruption at the Svartsengi power plant due to volcanic activity. The Minister of Energy has stated that the search results have exceeded their best expectations.

Árni Magnússon, the CEO of ÍSOR (Icelandic GeoSurvey), emphasized the importance of continuing research in the area, stating that the threat of Suðurnes being without hot water has now been alleviated. The geothermal exploration, initiated in February as an emergency response to a rupture in a pipeline supplying Njarðvik, involved drilling three deep research wells chosen based on geological indicators, considering both natural hazards and proximity to existing infrastructure.

The tests returned very positive results, with one well demonstrating sufficient water volume and heat to sustain the region in an emergency, allowing for a temporary buffer while longer-term solutions can be developed. Árni noted that the findings indicate a resource that could potentially supply heat for the entire area. The next steps will involve detailed measurements at the wells and further development of pipelines, pumps, and heat exchangers to prepare them for production.

Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson expressed satisfaction with the results, recognizing the long-term need for continued geothermal exploration, as no major geophysical search had been conducted in this century. He stressed that it is a high priority for the government, viewing the investment as beneficial for the Icelandic nation.