New Transmission Projects

Iceland’s electricity generation currently consists of hydropower and geothermal power. Forecasting future changes in the electricity market and providing effective solutions in a timely fashion is always challenging. Such plans are under constant review, to secure robust but flexible solutions for the future.

The Icelandic TSO (Landsnet) hasseveral major development projects either already in the planning stages or scheduled for upcoming years. The projects aims to meet client needs and ensure that the grid has sufficient capacity to satisfy minimum requirements, taking due account of the cost-efficiency and macroeconomic principles laid down in Icelandic law.

The Grid Plan outlines all of the transmission system development projects, whether in the proposal, design or construction stage. It also maps out all major projects in development stages based on a memorandum of understanding or the potential future development of a power trading market, even in the absence of a time-specific requirement for grid strengthening.

The purpose of the Grid Plan report is to provide an overall picture of Landsnet’s grid development projects and plans for the coming years. The report is always accessible on Landsnet’s website.

Landsnet engages in a broad range of research, for example to support decision-making when selecting routes for new transmission lines and formulating natural-environment-related load criteria. More than thirty measuring stations operate on existing and prospective lines across Iceland, where measurements of icing, wind load, and other weather conditions are key. Landsnet also keeps an organized record of icing events on all transmission lines operated in the country.

Other research activities include measurements of conductor vibration and salt accumulation on insulator chains as well as studies of soil thermal conductivity on planned underground cable routes. Landsnet also collaborates with others on lightning research and meteorological modeling.  These activities serve to predict and map out weather factors important to the design of structures in Iceland.

Research is in progress on the use of webcams and tension recorders for real-time monitoring of important transmission lines in places where icing and inclement weather can be expected. Furthermore, Landsnet is an active participant in international co-operation on icing research.

Landsnet conducts feasibility studies for new line routes and prepares for possible new installations and refurbishments around Iceland, both for industrial and public electricity consumption. This is in connection with the Public Road Administration’s plans to construct new tunnels in various locations around the country.

Landsnet examines the advantages of employing tunnels to install lines. In some cases, this creates opportunities for simplifying the current transmission network and discontinuing the use of overhead lines along mountain roads where weather conditions are harsh. Currently, Landsnet is working with numerous other governmental agencies and other stakeholders in preparing a policy regarding future transmission projects and types of cables.