A 100-tonne drilling rig arrives in Laugardalur

A 100-tonne drilling rig was transported to Laugardalur on Saturday, marking a new chapter in nearly a century of geothermal use in the area, mbl.is reports.

Brynja Ragnarsdóttir, who heads water distribution at Veitur, said a window for the move opened in the morning. She said transporting such a large piece of equipment at the weekend was an advantage because traffic was lighter. Veitur carried out the operation with, among others, the police and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

The rig was brought from Hellisheiði, down Ártúnsbrekka, along Sæbraut and Suðurlandsbraut, and on to Engjateigur. The move went well, Brynja said, adding that the rig is expected to be set up there in the coming days.

Drilling at Engjateigur is due to begin next week and continue until spring 2027. Four wells are planned, with work on the first set to start next week.

Veitur aims to keep disruption to a minimum, Brynja said. The rig runs on electricity and is quieter than a diesel-powered rig, while also having a lighter carbon footprint. The drilling site will be fenced off and monitored around the clock for safety. She said Veitur had prioritised keeping residents and other stakeholders informed and would continue to do so.