Statoil will drill the world’s warmest geothermal test well in Iceland. The aim is to pick up scalding hot water from deep below the earth’s surface for use in power generation.
They are cooperating with Icelandic companies on the project, which takes place on the Reykjanes peninsula southwest on Iceland.
Iceland is currently a world leader in power generation from geothermal energy. Statoil has ongoing research in the field to assess the technological and economic viability of this energy source.
The research project in Iceland is an important part of this effort, the company said in a statement.
The company points out that geothermal energy is a global resource with great potential.
The project will explore the possibilities of recovering renewable energy by drilling wells from deep reservoirs – down to five kilometers below the earth’s surface. There we can find steam that keeps around 400-500 degrees Celsius, heated by magma from the earth.
The steam is to be retrieved to the surface and used to produce electricity in steam turbines.
The drilling project is scheduled for completion during 2016, before the project enters a test period.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
