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Water year 2016/2017
Well above average
The water year, which begins in October, started off well this year. Inflow was above average well into the winter months in all water catchment areas. Inflow only went below mean values for water flow in March and April.
The spring arrived in April/May and the month of May was warm and inflow was satisfactory. June and most of July were cold but the weather improved and glacial ablation began.
The month of August was rather poor but did not have a negative impact overall as all the reservoirs were full by the middle of the month and inflow in September was well above average.
The water year was considered above average overall.
Monitoring of water levels and other environmental aspects at landsvirkjun.com
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The water levels at Landsvirkjun’s reservoirs (by month) can be seen here. Click on the different months above to access information on the power station and water levels.
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Geothermal resources
One of Landsvirkjun’s guiding principles is the responsible and sustainable utilisation of geothermal resources. Landsvirkjun operates three geothermal stations at Krafla, Bjarnarflag and Þeistareykir. Extensive geothermal research is carried out in the area both in connection with current operations and in connection with potential future utilisation in other areas.
Geothermal fluid is composed of steam, water and the various gases present in the steam, and is extracted from the geothermal system at a depth of 2,000 metres during the utilisation process. Energy is generated by utilising the steam. Most of the water is then re-injected into the geothermal system (deep re-injection) or released into surface water. The gases are released into the atmosphere.
In 2017, approx. 6,415 thousand tonnes of steam were utilised to generate 565 GWh of electricity in the Mývatn area (Krafla, Bjarnarflag and Þeistareykir). Steam production and electricity generation has increased this year which can be attributed to operations beginning at Þeistareykir.
The utilisation process produced 15,792 thousand tonnes of condensate water and separated water. The quantity of water in geothermal fluid has increased when compared with the previous year which can mostly be attributed to the operation of Þeistareykir. Approximately 6,841 thousand tonnes of separated water was re-injected back into the geothermal reservoir.
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Landsvirkjun is committed to ensuring safe and sustainable geothermal utilisation and to reducing any environmental impact
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Resources
We generate energy from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is derived from a source of energy that is replenished constantly, even when utilised, and retains this balance via a natural cycle.