Skip to main content

COWI TO DESIGN 100 MW ICELAND GEOTHERMAL PLANT

Cowi to Spearhead 100MW Geothermal Power Plant Expansion in Iceland: A Leap Toward Renewable Innovation

By: Robert Buluma

In a major stride toward sustainable energy development, Cowi, a leading engineering firm, has secured the design contract for the expansion of the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland. This ambitious project, driven by ON Power, will see the plant's capacity increase by 100MW, further solidifying Iceland's commitment to harnessing its geothermal potential. 

The Hellisheidi plant, located just 18km from Reykjavik, serves as a cornerstone for Iceland's energy landscape, providing both electricity and hot water for domestic heating. With the ongoing expansion, the plant’s heating output will rise from 200MW to 300MW, ensuring more homes and businesses in Reykjavik benefit from geothermal energy.

A Legacy of Excellence

Cowi's involvement in the Hellisheidi project dates back to its early phases, when the firm, formerly known as Mannvit in Iceland, was instrumental in the plant's initial design and construction. Having been selected for this new phase from a pool of three bidders, Cowi will be responsible for overseeing the engineering design, preparing tender documents, and providing support through to the project's commissioning in 2026.

This new expansion is poised to enhance Hellisheidi’s existing output of 303MW of electricity and 200MW of thermal energy. The plant is not only Iceland's largest geothermal combined heat and power (CHP) facility but also ranks as the fourth-largest geothermal power plant in the world.

The Science Behind Flash Steam CHP

The Hellisheidi plant operates using flash steam technology, a complex but highly efficient process for generating both electricity and heat. Geothermal fluid is extracted from production wells and piped to a central separation station. Here, steam is separated from water under high pressure and sent to turbines, where it generates electricity. The water, in turn, is flashed at lower pressures to produce additional steam, which powers more turbines. The remaining water is used in heat exchangers to produce the hot water that is piped to Reykjavik for district heating.

Once the water has been used, it is pumped back into the earth via re-injection wells, making the entire process as sustainable as possible.

Expanding Iceland's Geothermal Horizons

The expansion project is not just a technical upgrade—it represents Iceland’s commitment to maximizing its geothermal potential. Hellisheidi is located in the Hengill geothermal area, an active volcanic ridge that spans 112 square kilometers. The geothermal activity in this region is linked to three volcanic systems, making it one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland.

Base Load Capital, Icelandic affiliated company just recently minted Big in Geothermal and Its awesome that Geothermal is not just the Future but an eternity

As the world continues to search for sustainable and clean energy solutions, projects like Hellisheidi are vital examples of how countries can leverage their natural resources to reduce carbon footprints.  Cowi'scontinued involvement in this project underscores its expertise in geothermal energy, a field that is rapidly gaining attention worldwide.

With the Hellisheidi plant expansion, Iceland is taking a bold step forward in renewable energy. As Cowi leads the engineering design, the project sets a benchmark for future geothermal developments, not only in Iceland but globally. The world will be watching as this pioneering project unfolds, proving that geothermal energy is key to a greener future.

Get a glimpse of the facts on this unique power plant.

By 2026, the expanded Hellisheidi plant will stand as a testament to Iceland’s leadership in geothermal energy and the engineering prowess of Cowi.

Researched and Written by Alphaxioms

Connect with us: LinkedIn. ,X Formely Twitter

This recently published Tender in Geothermal is intriguingly captivating


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Hot Topics 🔥

California Unlocks Next-Generation Geothermal Power With XGS Partnership

115 MW of Fire Beneath California: The Deal That Could Redefine Geothermal Power Forever By: Robert Buluma Deep beneath California’s sun-scorched valleys and seismic fault lines lies a force more powerful than wind, more consistent than solar, and more enduring than fossil fuels—a relentless, untapped heat engine that has waited centuries for its moment. That moment may have just arrived. In a bold and forward-looking move, and (CC Power) have signed a landmark agreement to develop 115 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy. At first glance, it might seem like just another clean energy deal in a state already known for its climate ambitions. But look closer—and you begin to see something much bigger unfolding. This is not just about adding megawatts to the grid. This is about rewriting the rules of geothermal energy itself. The Sleeping Giant Beneath California California is no stranger to energy innovation. It leads the United States in solar deployment, has aggr...
Post a Comment
Read more

US DOE Unlocks Geothermal Power from Shale Oil Wells

The Energy Beneath: A New Geothermal Frontier Emerges In a bold move that could redefine the future of clean energy in the United States, the has announced a $14 million investment into a groundbreaking Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) demonstration project in Pennsylvania. This is not just another energy initiative—it is a strategic pivot, a technological experiment, and potentially, a blueprint for unlocking geothermal energy in regions once considered unsuitable. At the heart of this announcement lies a powerful idea: what if the vast infrastructure built for oil and gas could be repurposed to harvest clean, renewable geothermal energy? That question is now being tested in the rugged geological formations of the eastern United States. From Fossil Fuels to Clean Heat: A Strategic Transition For decades, regions like Pennsylvania have been synonymous with fossil fuel extraction, particularly within the expansive . This formation has long been a cornerstone of natural gas prod...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beneath Borders: Europe’s Cross-Border Geothermal Breakthrough

Cross-Border Geothermal Power: Europe’s Silent Energy Revolution Introduction: Beneath Borders Lies Power In a world increasingly defined by energy insecurity, volatile fossil fuel markets, and the urgent need to combat climate change, a quiet revolution is taking shape—not above ground, but deep beneath it. Far below the political boundaries that divide nations, heat flows freely. And now, countries are beginning to realize something profound: energy cooperation doesn’t have to stop at borders—especially when the resource itself doesn’t recognize them. The recent geothermal collaboration between Belgium and the Netherlands signals more than just a regional project. It represents a paradigm shift in how nations think about energy, infrastructure, and sustainability . This is not just about electricity. This is about redefining sovereignty in an age of shared resources. Understanding Geothermal Energy: The Power Beneath Our Feet Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s internal ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"CU Boulder geothermal studies confirm shallow and deep feasibility."

CU Boulder Geothermal Breakthrough: Studies Confirm Feasibility of Shallow and Deep Systems for Campus Decarbonization Introduction: A Game-Changer for Campus Sustainability On March 30, 2026, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) and the Colorado Energy Office made an exciting announcement that could reshape how universities power their campuses. Two state-funded feasibility studies have confirmed that both shallow and deep geothermal energy systems are technically feasible for the CU Boulder campus.  These findings represent a major step forward in the university's ambitious Climate Action Plan, which targets a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality no later than 2050. As someone tracking geothermal news globally, this development stands out not just for its technical promise but for its potential to serve as a "living laboratory" for scalable clean energy solutions. Geothermal energy taps the Earth's natural heat a reliabl...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Sets Closed-Loop Geothermal Apart from Other Systems

What Sets Closed-Loop Geothermal Apart from Other Systems Image:  What Sets Closed-Loop Geothermal Apart from Other Systems In an era where the world is racing toward net-zero emissions, renewable energy sources are no longer just alternatives,they're necessities. Solar and wind have dominated headlines, but beneath our feet lies a vast, untapped reservoir of heat: geothermal energy. Traditional geothermal systems have powered communities for decades, yet they come with limitations tied to specific geological conditions. Enter closed-loop geothermal systems, an innovative approach that's redefining how we harness the Earth's heat. Unlike conventional methods that rely on natural hot water reservoirs or risky fluid injections, closed-loop systems circulate a working fluid through sealed pipes, extracting heat via conduction without ever touching the surrounding rock or water. This blog post dives deep into what makes closed-loop geothermal stand out, exploring its unique des...
Post a Comment
Read more

Peru Confirms New Geothermal Source in the Andes

Peru Confirms New Geothermal Source in the Andes: IGP’s Landmark Discovery Near Paucarani-Casiri Volcano Signals a Clean Energy Revolution for South America By Alphaxioms Geothermal News | April 2026 In a groundbreaking development that could transform Peru’s energy landscape, the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) has officially confirmed the existence of a large-scale active geothermal system in the southern Andes. Located near the Paucarani-Casiri volcanic complex—approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Tacna and close to the Chilean border—this discovery represents a major step forward in harnessing the Earth’s internal heat for sustainable power generation. Announced in late March 2026, the confirmation comes from high-resolution geophysical studies conducted by IGP scientists. It reconfirms what earlier explorations hinted at: the presence of heat reservoirs capable of supporting commercial geothermal electricity production. For a country with vast untapped renewable potential ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EIG Fund Targets Mid-Stage Geothermal Growth in U.S.

Bridging the Missing Middle: How EIG’s New Fund Could Unlock U.S. Geothermal Power The global energy transition is entering a decisive phase—and geothermal energy is quietly stepping into the spotlight. In a bold and strategic move, has launched a new investment vehicle designed to tackle one of geothermal’s biggest obstacles: financing the most critical stage of project development. Welcome to the era of Geothermal Catalyst Capital —and why it could reshape the future of baseload clean energy. 🌍 The Geothermal Opportunity—Still Undervalued For decades, geothermal energy has been the underdog of the renewable sector. Unlike solar and wind, it offers 24/7 baseload power , making it one of the most reliable clean energy sources available. Yet despite its immense potential, geothermal has struggled to scale—especially in the . Why? Because geothermal projects are capital-intensive and high-risk in their early and mid-development phases . Developers often face a steep climb betw...
Post a Comment
Read more

Iceland Drilling Company Powers Nevis Geothermal Energy Independence

🔥 Beneath the Island: Nevis’ Bold Geothermal Leap Toward Energy Independence In a world increasingly defined by the urgency of energy security and climate resilience, small island nations are no longer waiting on the sidelines. Instead, they are stepping into the future—drilling deep beneath their own soil to unlock one of the most powerful, constant, and underutilized energy sources on Earth: geothermal. The recent agreement between and marks a pivotal moment—not just for , but for the entire Caribbean region. This is more than a project. It is a declaration. A signal that the era of fossil fuel dependency for island nations may finally be nearing its end. 🌋 A Sleeping Giant Beneath Nevis For decades, the Caribbean has been known for its sun, sea, and tourism-driven economies. But beneath this idyllic surface lies something far more powerful—vast geothermal reservoirs formed by volcanic activity deep within the Earth. Nevis, part of the twin-island nation , sits atop such a r...
Post a Comment
Read more

“UK Government Awards Weardale Lithium Funding to Advance Geothermal Lithium Extraction”

From Heat to Lithium: The Silent Revolution Beneath Weardale Deep beneath the rolling landscapes of northern England, a quiet revolution is taking shape—one that could redefine the future of both energy and critical minerals. In a world racing toward electrification, the convergence of geothermal energy and lithium extraction is no longer theoretical. It is real. It is happening. And it is accelerating. The recent announcement by —securing grant funding through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Scale-Up: Feasibility Studies competition—signals far more than financial backing. It marks a decisive shift toward integrated subsurface resource utilization, where heat and minerals are extracted in harmony. This is not just a project. It is a blueprint for the future. The Strategic Importance of Lithium in a Decarbonizing World Lithium has rapidly become one of the most strategic resources of the 21st century. Often referred to as “white gold,” it is the backbone of modern battery technology, power...
Post a Comment
Read more

$44.1 Million Powers NexTitan: GA Drilling Accelerates the Breakthrough That Could Finally Scale Geothermal Globally

Revolutionizing the Earth's Heat: GA Drilling Secures $44.1 Million to Accelerate NexTitan – The Breakthrough for Geothermal at Scale By:  Robert Buluma Image: Revolutionizing the Earth's Heat: GA Drilling Secures $44.1 Million to Accelerate NexTitan – The Breakthrough for Geothermal at Scale In a world urgently transitioning to net-zero emissions, geothermal energy stands out as one of the most promising yet underutilized renewable resources. Unlike solar or wind, which are intermittent, geothermal offers baseload power—steady, reliable electricity available 24/7, with minimal land use and near-zero operational emissions. The Earth's subsurface heat is virtually limitless; if harnessed effectively, it could power civilizations indefinitely. Yet geothermal's growth has been stymied by one dominant factor: the exorbitant cost of drilling deep into hard, hot rock formations. Drilling often accounts for up to 70% of total project expenses in conventional geothermal develo...
Post a Comment
Read more