Búrfellvirkjun

Búrfellvirkjun is a hydroelectric power station located in Iceland. It is situated in the Þjórsárdalur valley in the southern region of the country, near the river Þjórsá. The power station is one of the largest in Iceland and plays a significant role in the nation's electricity generation.

Construction of Búrfellvirkjun began in the 1960s and it was commissioned in 1970. The project involved the diversion of water from the river Þjórsá through a tunnel to a powerhouse built into the mountainside. The station utilizes a significant head of water to drive its turbines. The primary purpose of Búrfellvirkjun was to provide electricity for industrial use, particularly for aluminum smelting, which is a major industry in Iceland due to its abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources.

The power station has an installed capacity of approximately 270 megawatts. It comprises a dam and a 17-kilometer-long tunnel that carries water to the turbines. The reservoir created by the dam, Hálslón, is a key component of the facility. Búrfellvirkjun is operated by Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland. Over the years, the station has undergone upgrades and maintenance to ensure its continued efficient operation and contribution to Iceland's energy supply. Its operation is a testament to Iceland's strategy of leveraging its natural resources for sustainable energy production.