Icelandic construction firm ISTAK has commenced construction of a new power station building as part of the ongoing expansion efforts at the Svartsengi geothermal power plant in Iceland. This construction is carried out in accordance with an agreement signed between ISTAK and HS Orka, which encompasses the construction of structures associated with the expansion project. Additionally, ISTAK is tasked with overseeing coordination and safety measures at the project site.
The expansion project, known as SVA7, entails the replacement of older production units with a new unit, with the objective of enhancing resource utilization and increasing the plant's production capacity to 85 MW. Groundbreaking for the expansion project was reported earlier this year, marking a significant step forward in the initiative.
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As of today, the installed power capacity at Svartsengi stands at approximately 66 MW. The contract for this expansion amounts to ISK 2.6 billion, with a total cost estimate of ISK 12 billion. The overall scope of the project closely resembles the recent expansion of the Reykjanesvirkjun power plant, which was commissioned earlier this year. It is anticipated that the project will employ approximately 100 individuals at its peak.
Sunna Björg Helgadóttir, the manager of the technical department, provided insights into the project's progress, stating, “The first shovel for SVA7 was taken in December last year, and earthworks have already begun. They were completed in the spring months, and simultaneously, the project management team has been actively engaged in procuring equipment with longer lead times, including a generator, cooling tower, condenser, transformers, and gas suction systems. Concrete work on the new station building commenced in mid-September.”
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Birgir Thór Birgisson, senior project manager of SVA7, noted the extended delivery times for critical equipment and emphasized that several aspects of the project are still pending finalization. Nevertheless, the project team remains committed to concluding all agreements in the coming months, as they continue to advance this vital expansion of the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
