Positive indications of geothermal potential in Tenerife
Icelandic geothermal expertise is playing a role in exploring the potential for geothermal energy production in the Canary Islands. Reykjavík Geothermal and its partners have completed drilling the first of three exploration wells in Tenerife, with initial results showing positive indications of potentially usable geothermal resources.
The exploration well is more than 3,000 metres deep, and initial measurements have shown promising signs in terms of temperature, pressure and permeability in the geological formations. According to Morgunblaðið, water with a temperature exceeding 150°C was encountered at a depth of around 1,600 metres, with water pressure measured at more than 30 bar.
Magnús Dagur Ásbjörnsson, CEO of Reykjavík Geothermal. Photo/Reykjavík Geothermal
The company’s drilling site in Tenerife. Photo/Reykjavík Geothermal
The project remains in the exploration phase
The project is still at an early exploration stage. A total of three exploration wells are planned, and further testing will be required before it can be confirmed whether the geothermal resource is suitable for energy production.
If successful, geothermal energy could provide Tenerife with a new local and renewable source of energy. A large share of electricity generation in the Canary Islands currently relies on imported fossil fuels, meaning that geothermal development could potentially bring both environmental and economic benefits.
Geothermal exploration also underway in Ölfus
The project also demonstrates how Icelandic expertise in geothermal exploration, development and utilisation can create opportunities beyond Iceland. Reykjavík Geothermal has been involved in the development of geothermal projects in more than 50 countries, while the Tenerife project builds on several years of preparation and research.
Reykjavík Geothermal is one of the founding members of Ölfus Cluster and is also involved in geothermal exploration in Ölfus. The company is currently carrying out geothermal research in the Bolalda area, where the potential for future utilisation of geothermal resources is being explored.