Krafla geothermal power station in north Iceland is Landsvirkjun‘s main geothermal power station. Landsvirkjun operates one other geothermal utility, at Bjarnarflag, with an installed capacity of only 3 MW.

From the outset, Krafla was in the public eye in Iceland, with much political controversy surrounding its construction. For a while it was uncertain whether Krafla would ever actually enter operation, when large-scale volcanic eruptions started only two kilometres away from the station, posing a serious threat to its existence. Work continued, however, and the station went on stream early in 1977. Krafla‘s colourful history makes it one of the best-known power stations in Iceland. An average of 15 employees work at the station, plus site maintenance teams in summer.

In 1996, Landsvirkjun decided to install a second turbine unit and prospect for steam for it. Drilling began immediately using improved technology which proved highly successful both for developing new boreholes and upgrading existing ones. Some 33 boreholes have now been drilled for the Krafla station and the extension is complete. On average, 15-17 boreholes are used at any time and the station now operates with an installed capacity of 60 MW, as originally planned.

Local sightseeing and tourism
Krafla‘s location near Lake Mývatn makes it an ideal stopping place for travellers in north Iceland. Just above the station is a popular hiking area including the recent lava field around Leirhnjúkur and the explosion crater Víti (Hell), both popular sightseeing attractions. A reception room has been set up at the Krafla Station where visitors can find out about its history and the harnessing of geothermal energy for electricity production. A wide range of tourist services is available nearby, at Mývatn.

More information on Krafla geothermal power station
More information on Krafla geothermal power station (in German)