Geothermal energy discovered in Skagafjörður to supply homes near Sauðárkrókur

Recent efforts to locate geothermal energy in Skagafjörður have successfully yielded results, with the discovery of hot water sufficient to supply around 500 homes. This new resource will be connected to the local district heating system in time for winter.

Located near Sauðárkrókur, geological surveys started at the end of summer, ultimately identifying a hot water source with temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius. This finding alleviates previous concerns; last winter, residents were asked to conserve heating during particularly cold spells.

The newly drilled well reaches a depth of 762 meters, producing hot water at a rate of 20 to 30 liters per second at 59 degrees Celsius. Local officials, including Sigfús Ingi Sigfússon, the mayor, expressed optimism about the new well’s capacity, suggesting that installation of a pump could potentially increase output even further.

The next step involves connecting this water supply to the town’s heating network, with expectations that this will be completed within the following weeks. Unlike last winter, when sports facilities were closed and residents were urged to reduce heating use, the situation is now expected to be more manageable thanks to the new hot water source.

This development marks a positive shift for the community, significantly enhancing heating resources and ensuring a more stable and reliable energy supply throughout the colder months.