Landsnet and Landsvirkjun partner on Iceland’s first wind farm integration into transmission network

Landsnet has reached an agreement with Landsvirkjun to transport electricity generated from the wind farm at Búrfellslundur, marking the first time wind energy will be integrated into Iceland’s transmission network. This collaboration represents one of the largest energy projects in recent years since the openings of the Fljótsdalur Power Station and the Hellisheidi Power Plant.

The wind farm will be situated below the Sultartangastíflu in Rangárþing ytra and will consist of up to 30 wind turbines spread over an area of 18 square kilometers, with heights reaching a maximum of 150 meters. For comparison, typical high-voltage pylons are only 30 meters tall. Guðmundur Ingi Ásmundsson, CEO of Landsnet, described this project as a significant milestone, emphasizing that it establishes wind energy as the third pillar of the nation’s electricity system.

This agreement is essential for the Energy Agency to finalize the licensing process for Landsvirkjun. The wind farm is expected to generate 120 megawatts of power, equating to 400 gigawatt-hours annually. The timing of this project is seen as crucial, as there is a growing demand for electricity to facilitate the needed energy transition.

Preparation for construction is already underway, with the goal of initiating power transmission from the site by late 2026. The costs for the infrastructure are estimated to be around 2.5 billion ISK. Búrfellslundur was categorized as a renewable energy utilization area in the framework plan back in 2022, with local authorities approving the wind farm’s design earlier this year.