Jökull - 01.12.1987, Síða 30
ishing and that the exploitable area can be increased in
the near future. Estimates of the generating capacity of
the area so far drilled suggest that it can sustain power
production of about 55 MW for 30 years (Leirbotnar 30
MW, Suðurhlíðar 20 MW and Hvíthólar 5 MW). The
present power production capacity is about 30 MW and
most of the unexploited power would be obtainable
from the Leirbotnar field which was hit severely by the
magmatic gas problems. In the light of recent findings it
should be possible to extend the area of exploitation of
the Leirbotnar field considerably. It seems resonable to
assume that the 60 MW for 30 years, needed to fully
utilize the power plant in Krafla could be drawn from
that area. There are also strong indications that the
longevity of the field could be extended considerably by
reinjection of upper zone Leirbotnar fluids and of ef-
fluent from the separating plant into the lower zone. On
the other hand more research would be needed before
further development of the area could be recommend-
ed.
The model of the Krafla geothermal system presented
here is in general agreement with observations in the
area and has proved adequate for short term prediction
of its behaviour.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. G. Gíslason, Dr. H. Torfason, and Mr. Ó.B.
Smárason are thanked for reading the manuscript and
making useful comments.
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