Reykjanes power station
Geothermal power station in Reykjanes, Iceland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Reykjanes power station (known as Reykjanesvirkjun [ˈreiːcaˌnɛsˌvɪr̥cʏn]) is a geothermal power station located in Reykjanes at the south-western tip of Iceland.
| Reykjanes power station | |
|---|---|
Reykjanes Power Station | |
 | |
| Official name | Reykjanesvirkjun |
| Country | Iceland |
| Location | Reykjanes |
| Coordinates | 63°49′35″N 22°40′55″W |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | May 2006 |
| Construction cost | US$100 million |
| Owner | HS Orka |
| Geothermal power station | |
| Type | Flash steam |
| Min. source temp. | 290 °C (550 °F) |
| Wells | 12 |
| Max. well depth | 2,700 m (8,900 ft) |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 2 × hp 50 MW + 1 lp 30 MW |
| Nameplate capacity | 130 MWe |
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
As of 2012, the power plant generated 100MWe from two high pressure 50MWe turbines, using steam and brine from a reservoir at 290 to 320 °C (554 to 608 °F), which is extracted from 12 wells that are 2,700 m (8,900 ft) deep. This was the first time that geothermal steam of such high temperature had been used for electrical generation.[1]
In May 2023 a low pressure 30 MWe turbine started operation, bringing the power output of the plant to 130 MWe. The turbine uses medium and a low pressure steam at about 155 °C (311 °F) and 105 °C (221 °F) coming from the separation station that separates steam from geothermal fluid. The residual heat from the cooling water is used to heat sea water for fish farming.[2]
The power plant was open to the public and housed the Power Plant Earth interpretative exhibition. However, the exhibit was closed in June 2018.[3]
From December 2023 staff based at the Reykjanes power station controlled remotely the geothermal Svartsengi power station which was threatened by volcanic activity.[4]
