NEVLEC delegation advances geothermal preparations

NEVLEC’s General Manager, Nelson Stapleton, and Project Co-ordinator, Naftalie Errar, have met with the Scotia Drilling Consultants (SDC) inspection team as the independent inspection of the Týr rig continues. Discussions have focused on the inspection process, the condition and readiness of the rig and associated equipment, and the requirements to be addressed ahead of mobilisation to Nevis.

The delegation also met with the Iceland Drilling Company (IDC) team and provided an update on the progress of the geothermal project in Nevis, including activities taking place on the ground in preparation for drilling. The discussions allowed both parties to review project readiness, mobilisation requirements, logistics, and the co-ordination necessary as the project moves closer to active drilling.

As part of the mission’s capacity-building component, Stapleton and Errar have also been exposed to geothermal drilling and power-generation operations in Iceland. The delegation visited ON Power’s Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, which has an installed electrical capacity of approximately 303 MW and is recognised as the largest geothermal power plant in Europe. The visit provided an opportunity to examine the operation of a large scale geothermal facility and gain insight into geothermal wells, steam-field infrastructure, power generation, reinjection, and long-term resource management.

The NEVLEC representatives also visited an active geothermal drilling site in the Hellisheiði area, where IDC is undertaking drilling for ON Power to a planned depth of approximately 2400 m. This provided the delegation with first-hand exposure to an operational geothermal drilling environment and the interaction between the drilling contractor, power plant operator, and supporting technical teams.

The delegation also held technical discussions with COWI, an international engineering firm with extensive experience in geothermal and civil infrastructure. The discussions focused on the civil engineering requirements for the Nevis geothermal project, particularly the design and preparation of the well pads and associated infrastructure required to support the drilling programme.

A further capacity-building engagement was held with the GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP), where discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen geothermal knowledge and technical capacity in Nevis. Among the initiatives discussed was the development of a free two-day ‘Geothermal 101’ introductory course for NEVLEC staff, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders. The delegation also discussed the identification and nomination of a suitable candidate to participate in the six-month GRÓ GTP fellowship programme in Iceland, providing an opportunity for more specialised training and long-term institutional capacity development.

The technical mission will continue as the third-party rig inspection progresses, alongside further engagements with civil engineering specialists, Iceland’s national power sector institutions, geothermal and geoscience experts, and reservoir engineering specialists. These meetings will provide additional insight into civil infrastructure, geothermal resource assessment, reservoir management, and the longer-term development and operation of the Nevis geothermal resource.

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