Drilling for hot water begins in the heart of Reykjavík
Veitur Utilities began drilling for hot water today at the intersection of Kringlumýrarbraut and Suðurlandsbraut.
Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir and Sólrún Kristjánsdóttir, managing director of Veitur Utilities, gave brief remarks and officially launched drilling. Before drilling began, guests received a safety briefing and protective gear: vests, helmets and safety glasses.
The drilling is part of efforts to ensure sufficient hot water for a growing community and marks a new chapter in the area’s use of geothermal energy. Geothermal heat beneath Laugardalur has played a key role in Reykjavík’s district heating system, keeping residents warm for nearly a century. Nine wells already operate in the area.
Regular updates
Drilling in a dense urban setting requires careful preparation, and the construction sites will be cordoned off. Veitur Utilities will provide regular updates to residents, business operators and people traveling through the area during construction. Steam will be visible at the construction site when the well is tested. This is a routine part of drilling, and neighbors will be notified in advance.
Hildur Björnsdóttir started the drilling rig by pressing a button in the control cabin. She noted that the drilling serves as a reminder that infrastructure cannot be taken for granted. "This project is an important step toward ensuring that city residents continue to have a reliable, robust district heating system for years to come," Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir said.
