As part of the international Iceland Deep Drilling Project launched in 2000, Statoil and partners are drilling a geothermal research well to assess the feasibility of high-temperature water extraction from deep reservoirs for power production.

Drilling rig in the Reykjanes geothermal field. Image source: StatoilThe well in the Reykjanes field is expected to be one of world’s hottest geothermal production wells. Deepening an existing geothermal well down to 5 km depth will allow superheated steam to be brought to the surface at 400-500 C (752-932 F) and used for electricity production in steam turbines.

The drilling operation is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, at which point the project will enter into a 2.5-year test period, whose objective is to confirm reservoir performance, well integrity, and power production potential.