Reservoirs filling up – No power shortages expected this winter
Lake Þórisvatn has not filled since the autumn of 2019. Now, there is a strong likelihood that it will reach full capacity. Picture from photo archives
Reservoir levels at Landsvirkjun’s hydropower stations are in good shape as June draws to a close, and there are currently no signs of electricity shortages for the coming winter.
This was stated in a notice from Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company.
So far this year, inflow from the company’s catchment areas has been favorable, and May’s spring floods contributed significantly to reservoir levels. Notably, Blöndulón resevoir temporarily reached overflow levels at the end of May.
Although water collection slowed in June—as is typical for the season—runoff from glaciers is expected to increase in July, especially benefiting Hálslón resevoir.
Þórisvatn likely to fill for first time since 2019
Both Blöndulón and Hálslón resevoirs are expected to fill this summer, as has been the case in recent years. In addition, there are good prospects for Þórisvatn to reach full capacity—something that hasn’t happened since autumn 2019. The lake is already two meters higher than it was at its peak last fall.
“The outlook is such that there should be no need for electricity delivery restrictions due to water shortages next winter,” the company said.
