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Construction work on the expansion of Búrfell Hydropower Station has been ongoing since April, 2016. The expansion aims to secure the utilisation of 14% of the flow energy that mostly flows untapped past the Búrfell Hydropower Station every year.

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Optimal utilisation of the resource and increased flexibility in operations

The installed capacity of the new power station will be 100 MW (one turbine) but the station can later be expanded by a further 40 MW. The expansion offers increased flexibility in operations and the option of carrying out maintenance work at the existing station, without significant reductions in energy generation. This is in keeping with Landsvirkjun’s role, which is to maximise the potential yield and value of the natural resources it has been entrusted with, in a sustainable, responsible and efficient manner.

The designers and consultants for the expansion of the Búrfell Hydropower Station are Verkís. VA Architects are responsible for architectural design and Landark are responsible for landscape architectural design.

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Construction this year

Video only available in Icelandic

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Construction at its peak this year

As many as 200 employees from 16 different countries were involved in the work carried out on-site during the peak period of construction. Icelanders represent half of the work force that has been involved in work on-site since construction began. The main contractors are ÍAV-Marti (construction work), DSD Noell (penstock and gates) and Andritz Hydro (electromechanical equipment).

The facilities provided for the contractors are quite extensive, including on-site work camps, offices, a concrete supply station, workshops and other facilities necessary for such a large-scale project. Landsvirkjun also built work camps for their own employees and for the construction supervisors from Mannvit engineering.

Landsvirkjun is committed to following a zero accident policy in all its projects and safety has been at the forefront of construction work since the project began.

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Construction at the Búrfell Hydropower Station has been successful and reached its peak during the year. The power station will be slightly visible from the surface and  the photograph shows the powerhouse of the power station. Work is being carried out on the transportation of mechanical and electrical equipment in the powerhouse and its installation. The photograph shows part of the generator being  brought into the powerhouse cave.

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Status of the project

A milestone was reached at the beginning of 2017 when underground excavation work was completed and the concreting work on the powerhouse began. Excavation and reinforcement work continued on the headrace and tailrace canals. The installation of steel liners in waterways began in the spring, as well as the installation of turbine units and electrical equipment.

The largest projects next year will include ongoing work on the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as final work on the waterways. Construction has been successful and operations are expected to begin in the summer of 2018, just over two years from the start of construction. Finishing work and landscaping will then be carried out.