Landsvirkjun operates two geothermal power stations in the northeast of Iceland: Krafla and Bjarnarflag. Landsvirkjun has been involved in the development of geothermal stations in the northeast of Iceland for a number of years. The Company’s next proposed projects are Þeistareykir and a new power station at Bjarnarflag. Research has indicated that these geothermal areas could offer extensive opportunities.

Research and monitoring

Extensive environmental research has been carried out as a result of the potential power projects in the northeast of Iceland. The aim of the research is to acquire knowledge of the area in order to monitor any changes that could come as a result of development in the area. This enables Landsvirkjun to implement mitigation measures when and if necessary.

Research projects include studies on groundwater flow, chemical composition of groundwater, vegetation and birdlife. Air quality, weather conditions, surface activity, soil temperature, gas emissions, seismic activity, geological changes, noise levels and changes to the surface (via aerial photographs) are also monitored. Ground levelling and gravity measurements have been conducted and research is being conducted on landscaping, recreation and tourism.

The natural environment in Mývatn is unique and Landsvirkjun is fully aware of the importance of responsible development in the vicinity of the lake. Extensive environmental research and monitoring has been carried out in connection with the current geothermal power station at Bjarnarflag and the potential power projects in the area. The focus is on the effect on groundwater, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide and the landscape.

Annual research and monitoring on surface geothermal activity in the Krafla area has been conducted for over four decades.

Negligible effect of effluent water discharge

Effluent water has been discharged into surface water since the Bjarnarflag Geothermal Power Station began operations over 40 years ago. Research shows that this has had a negligible effect on the temperature and chemical composition of groundwater. The effluent water is widely dispersed in the groundwater system and measurements show that the dilution is extensive (one hundred million fold). However, natural changes to groundwater temperatures have been significant. Temperatures rose during the Krafla Fires (1975- 1984) and are still higher than they were before the fires.

A large percentage of the warm groundwater flow entering the Mývatn Lake could in fact originate from the Krafla area.

Geothermal gas emissions

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is a naturally occurring gas in geothermal areas and concentration levels can vary between areas. Geothermal gas is mostly made up of carbon dioxide (80-95%) and hydrogen sulphide (5-20%). Other gases make up a much smaller percentage (< 1%).

One of the main environmental effects of utilising geothermal energy is the release of geothermal gases into the environment. Landsvirkjun has closely monitored the concentration of hydrogen sulphide, as a result of geothermal energy utilisation in the area, since February, 2011. The concentration levels have been measured in Reykjahlíð by Mývatn and in other monitoring stations taken into operation in 2014. Measurements indicate that concentration levels do not surpass public health limits. A further discussion on geothermal gas emissions can be found in the chapter on air quality.

Landsvirkjun has closely monitored hydrogen sulphide levels in the northeast of Iceland since February, 2011.

A review of the EIA for Bjarnarflag

The Bjarnarflag project has inspired public debate and a review of environmental and utilisation matters in the Mývatn area.

The Icelandic National Planning Agency released its findings on the environmental impact of a geothermal station at Bjarnarflag in February, 2004. The law dictates that development must begin within ten years. Once this period of time has elapsed, the Icelandic National Planning Agency has the authority to review the EIA entirely, or in part, before re-issuing the development permit.

Landsvirkjun asked EFLA Consulting Engineers to conduct a review of the EIA from 2004. The review took into consideration research, monitoring, inspections and development work completed (since the EIA was completed). EFLA concluded that there were no significant changes to the baseline or to the legal framework that would require a complete new assessment. The discussion on seismic activity within the report is however not fully comprehensive and an insubstantial assessment of ‘seismic hazard’ could call for a review on this particular section. The action and monitoring plan within the EIA is in keeping with the verdict released by the Icelandic National Planning Agency. However, additional proposals with regard to monitoring research, the frequency of measurements, methods and the presentation of data, have been put forward. The Icelandic National Planning Agency will now assess the need for a complete or partial review of the EIA.