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55
MWe
Installed power
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320
GWh
Annual production
Hvalárvirkjun is a hydroelectric power plant listed in the utilisation category of the Icelandic framework for protection and utilization of land, with an estimated capacity of 55 MW. Located in the Westfjords in Northwest Iceland, the power plant will be located in a geologically cold area. In light of increased seizmic activities in Southwest of Iceland, the plant will contribute to increased electricity supply security, both in the Westfjords and nationwide.
The project is owned and run by VesturVerk, a subsidiary of HS Orka. For two decades the company has worked on the preparation of Hvalarvirkjun, which will use the flow of the rivers Hvalá, Rjúkandi and Eyvindarfjarðará in the municipality of Árneshreppur in the Westfjords to generate energy. Based on the current design, it is expected that the power plant will have a capacity of 55 MW and an energy production of around 320 GWh per year.
One of Vesturverk's goals is for the power plant to contribute to increased security of electricity delivery in the Westfjords, a region where security in the delivery of electricity is the least in the country and interruptions in electricity delivery are most frequent.
Hvalárvirkjun and its connection to Landsnet's national grid will strengthen the electricity transmission system in the Westfjords. It will also enable the connection of other smaller planned power plants in the area. The Hvalá power generation is well distributed, there are considerable water supplies in large reservoirs in the area, and the estimated installed power is relatively high compared to energy production. The activation will improve access to flexible power in the national system and reduce the likelihood of a power shortage, which according to Landsnet's forecast is likely in the national system in the near future.
Other Projects by VesturVerk
VesturVerk is planning further hydropower plant projects in the Westfjords. Skúfnavatnavirkjun (16 MW) and Hvanneyradalsvirkjun (13.5 MW) are both located in the area called Ísafjarðardjúp. Both projects are under review in the fifth phase of the framework plan for the protection and utilization of land. VesturVerk is also looking into wind energy utilization and is currently considering several wind energy options in the northwest part of Iceland.
