Nesjavellir Geothermal Area – High Temperature Well Targeting and Results

Abstract

The Nesjavellir geothermal field is a part of the Hengill geothermal system, SW Iceland. The area has been under exploration and development since the 1980´s. A geothermal power plant with 120 MWe capacity was onset in 1990. In 2018 three sectors within the Nesjavellir field were reviewed with the objective to locate new production wells to sustain the power production. Available datasets such as geology, faults, geophysical surveys and well data were used to compile a 3D geological model of the field. Within each sector of the field, the most feasible targets were chosen. From available well pads well paths were designed and analysed in the 3D geological model. From the results of the well path analysis each well path was ranked. This paper describes the targeting process, 3D modelling and the results of drilling.