Exploration and production wells in Hverahlíð and Meitlar
Reykjavik Energy and Orka náttúrunnar (ON) are now drilling new production and research wells in Hverahlíð II and Meitlar, within the municipality of Ölfus.
The purpose of the project is, on the one hand, to expand the production area in Hverahlíð to maintain the production capacity of the Hellisheiði Power Plant, and on the other hand, to investigate how far south along Norðurhálsar and in Meitlar usable geothermal heat can be found to meet the increased demand for hot water and electricity.
Expansion of ON's processing area
Geothermal energy is the foundation of power generation at Hellisheiði. The lifespan of geothermal resources is limited by the fact that less geothermal fluid flows into the system than is extracted for use. Therefore, the production area in Hverahlíð needs to be expanded and new production wells added to maintain the production capacity of the Hellisheiði Power Station and continue to ensure a secure energy supply for homes and businesses in the country.
Exploratory drilling in Norðurhálsar and Meitlar
The purpose of the exploratory drilling is to investigate whether usable geothermal heat can be found to meet the increased demand for hot water and electricity.
They take place in areas where surface research has been completed and within the existing utilization license of Reykjavík Energy.
The objective of the project is to investigate whether usable geothermal energy can be found in areas where surface exploration has been completed, within Reykjavík Energy's existing exploitation license. Exploratory drilling provides a comprehensive picture of the size and nature of the resource and indicates whether it is suitable for energy utilization.
Publicly owned energy company
Reykjavík Energy is a publicly owned energy and utility company that has been a pillar of energy production for the community for decades. The company's role is to be a driving force for a sustainable future, which involves maximizing the yield from the energy resources entrusted to the company through sustainable utilization, value creation, and efficiency as guiding principles.
Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) is a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy and produces electricity and hot water at its geothermal power plants in Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir. Orka náttúrunnar safeguards the interests of the country's resources and its customers, with sustainability as its guiding principle.
The energy we produce is not just for us today, but also for future generations. By emphasizing sustainability and the use of renewable energy, we are building a green future so that coming generations can enjoy the same quality of life as we do today.
Data
The environmental impact assessment report and zoning plan amendment were presented in the summer of 2025. You can learn more about the project at The Planning Portal.
The construction permit for the drilling of exploration wells HR-01 and HR-02 can be found here (HR-01) and here (HR-02).
Q & A
Yes, the main structures related to exploratory drilling are access roads, drill pads, and the boreholes themselves. A small borehole shed is planned to protect the equipment. A temporary water and electricity supply for drilling will also be set up during the drilling process. These will be removed once drilling is complete.
Yes, that will be possible. Reykjavík Energy and Orka náttúrunnar place great emphasis on nurturing outdoor recreation opportunities in the Hengill area and preparing it for the public. Reykjavík Energy maintains about 130 km of marked hiking trails in the area. Temporary inconvenience can be expected during the construction period, but great emphasis will be placed on ensuring good access throughout the area, both during and after construction.
To mitigate negative impacts on outdoor recreation and tourism, countermeasures will be implemented and clear boundaries drawn between developed and undisturbed areas. In particular, laying steam pipelines across known hiking trails will be avoided. If this proves unavoidable, continued access will be ensured by installing safe crossings – either over or under the pipelines. Parking areas and signs are planned to improve access in the area, in consultation with the municipality. The finishing of the development area will be done in such a way that the landscape and experience are as natural as possible.
Efforts will be made to minimize noise from drilling and blowing boreholes as much as possible. Nevertheless, it can be expected that the impact on acoustics will be negative in the short term during the drilling and testing period.
Planned noisy construction work, such as drilling and borehole capacity measurements, will be announced to residents in nearby areas before work begins.
The Hengill area is a naturally active seismic zone. Geothermal energy production can increase minor seismic activity, and this has been the case in Hverahlíð. These tremors are insignificant compared to the natural activity in the area and have so far not been felt in populated areas. It is very rare for the drilling of production and research wells to cause earthquakes. Seismic activity in the area will be closely monitored, and research into increased seismic activity in connection with geothermal energy utilization will continue.
New production wells will be connected to the Hellisheiði Power Plant to maintain its production capacity. It is necessary to explore the areas with research drilling to determine whether more production wells will be drilled in the area.