Krafla Geothermal Station

1977Geothermal

Krafla Geothermal Station was commissioned on 21 February 1978. It is located in the Krafla geothermal area near Lake Mývatn in northeast Iceland.

Harnessing Geothermal Energy

Exploration and development of the Krafla geothermal area began in the mid-1970s. Drilling and construction of the power station started in 1975, and Krafla Geothermal Station began generating electricity in 1978.

The station initially supplied 7 MW to the national grid. Through a series of expansions, installed capacity increased to 60 MW. Today, Krafla Geothermal Station has an annual generation capacity of 465 GWh.

Landsvirkjun assumed operation of the station in 1986. In 2002, reinjection of separated water began, supporting the long-term sustainability of the geothermal resource.

Landsvirkjun took over operations at the Krafla Geothermal Station in 1986.

Key numbers

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Francis turbines
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Photos from Krafla Geothermal Station

High-temperature boreholes

Krafla Geothermal Station utilises geothermal steam from boreholes across the Krafla geothermal area to generate electricity. The main production fields are located at Suðurhlíðar, Hveragil and Leirbotnar. Additional boreholes are situated at Vítismór and south of Mt. Krafla.

More than 40 boreholes have been drilled in the Krafla geothermal area. The wells serve different purposes, including steam production, reinjection and monitoring of the geothermal resource. Directional drilling is used extensively to minimise the surface footprint of geothermal development by enabling several boreholes to be drilled from the same location.

Geothermal borehole houses

Each borehole is protected by a circular borehole house that shelters the wellhead and associated equipment. The structures were designed by Icelandic architect Einar Þorsteinn Ásgeirsson, who became known for developing circular buildings suited to Icelandic conditions.

Manufactured in Iceland, the borehole houses are designed to withstand strong winds, snow and ice. Their distinctive shape provides protection for control and monitoring equipment while helping to reduce the visual impact of geothermal development.

The borehole houses are a distinctive feature of Icelandic geothermal areas. Their circular form offers excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions and helps protect sensitive equipment from the elements year-round.

Krafla documentary

Volcanic activity

Three eruptive episodes have shaped the Krafla area during historical times: the Dal Fires around the year 1000, the Mývatn Fires between 1724 and 1729, and the Krafla Fires from 1975 to 1984.

Mývatn Fires

The Mývatn Fires began in 1724, when an explosive eruption formed the crater Víti. Lava eruptions followed in four phases between 1727 and 1729. A smaller eruption in 1746 is generally regarded as the final event of the eruptive episode.

Krafla Fires

The Krafla Fires began in December 1975 while Krafla Geothermal Station was under construction. Increased seismic activity was recorded in the days leading up to the eruption, which started close to the construction area.

The Krafla Fires started in December 1975.

Lava erupted in nine phases between 1975 and 1984, while large-scale magma movements beneath the surface triggered intense earthquake activity. This activity led to major ground deformation and the formation of Lake Skjálftavatn in Kelduhverfi. The lava field created during the eruptions covers more than 60 km² and has an estimated volume of 250 million m³.

Building a power station during an eruption

The construction of Krafla Geothermal Station coincided with one of Iceland’s most significant volcanic episodes. The eruptions and the extensive scientific research that followed greatly improved understanding of volcanic systems, magma movements and geothermal resources.

Knowledge gained through drilling, monitoring and research at Krafla has helped shape geothermal exploration and power development in Iceland. The experience demonstrated that every geothermal area has distinct characteristics and highlighted the importance of adapting development and operations to local conditions.