Feb 1 2010
Orkuveita Reykjavikur develops the Nesjavellir geothermal plant. The plant produces electricity as well as hot water by using the geothermal water and steam. The output of the geothermal plant is 120MWe and 300MWt/1800 liters for every second. The exploration in the geothermal plant site was started in the year 1947 and continued for two more years. At that time, few experimental boreholes were made to evaluavate the steam’s chemical composition, and exploitable power.
After the initial exploration, the Nesjavellir geothermal site was used again from the year 1965 to 1986. The construction of geothermal power station in the site was started in the year, 1987. High temperature geothermal activity heats water in this site. The cold water from highlands flows under the ground towards Mount Hengill. Then, the water reaches the hot bedrock, and gets heated up. The heated water is forced out through faults and cracks in the mountain.
The boiling water along with steam flows in between the volcanic and tectonic boundaries from the Mount Hengill to Nesjavellir. In these boundaries, geothermal heat is present nearer to the surface. The Nesjavellir area is famous for recreational activities. So, Reykjavik Energy has organized for riding trails and hiking at the outside areas of the site. Two hiker shelters have been constructed in the Hengill area and it is open to all.
Source: http://www.or.is