The consortium Verkís/Mannvit has been appointed by Landsvirkjun in 2011 to conduct the design, tendering and construction supervision of the power plants.
The NAL-60 contract involves the design, tendering and construction supervision of two green field geothermal power plants for the generation of electricity, the Theistareykir 90 MWe (THR) and Bjarnarflag 45-90 MWe (BJA) plants, both located in northeast Iceland. The Theistareykir plant consist of two 45 MW machine units that are to be operational in two stages, the first in 2017 and the second in 2018. The Bjarnarflag power plant is also to be constructed in two 45 MWe stages that have yet to be scheduled.
The proposed design and work plan endeavours to ensure sustainability of the geothermal areas in question: the two phase flow from the geothermal wells in the two geothermal systems is separated into steam and geothermal water in separation stations. The steam is then piped to the applicable power plant, where it passes through a moisture separator. By diverting the flow to the condensing turbines at about 9,5 bara rated inlet pressure, production of electrical energy is initiated. The steam flow in both power plants contains non condensable gases which constitute of up to 0,6% by weight.
The two 45MW Theistareykir units and associated systems, steamfield works and civil works are to be jointly tendered. The major equipment contracts already in place as well as those for most civil works and piping. All design and tender documents for the Bjarnarflag plant are in place and await the formal investment decision of the owner, the national Icelandic Power Company Landsvirkjun.
