As the OptiDrill project nears completion, we continue our ‘Beneath the Surface‘ blog series, spotlighting the consortium partners and their unique contributions to this groundbreaking initiative. In this instalment, we explore the role of Orkuveita Reykjavikur SF / ON Power (ON), Iceland’s leading geothermal utility company, in refining the OptiDrill system to adapt to volcanic formations.
We spoke with Helen Ósk Haraldsdóttir, a specialist in development projects and project manager in R&D at ON Power (ON), to discuss how their expertise in volcanic drilling influenced the project, the challenges they encountered, and the milestones achieved.
ON’s Expertise in Geothermal Energy
Based in Iceland, ON Power runs one of the largest geothermal power stations in the world. Their operations span two major geothermal power plants: Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir, with a combined capacity of 423 MW of electrical power and 500 MW of thermal energy.
The Hellisheiði geothermal plant, located in the volcanically active Hengill region, exemplifies ON’s innovation. This site not only provides renewable energy but also serves as a testing ground for the OptiDrill Project, where the unique volcanic formations have challenged and enriched the predictive models being developed.
Adapting OptiDrill to Volcanic Formations
Drilling in Iceland’s volcanic formations comes with unique challenges. The geological variability in these environments often leads to unpredictable conditions that require advanced tools for accurate predictions. ON provided critical data from wells in these formations to help train and adapt OptiDrill’s AI model.
Explained further, Helen added, “The unique conditions of volcanic drilling added layers of complexity, but they also offered an opportunity to refine the model. Our contributions ensured that the advisory system could handle the geological diversity that volcanic environments present, making it more robust and versatile.”
Progress and Challenges
Reflecting on ON’s journey in the project, Helen described their overall progress as promising but noted the challenges of gathering and processing dispersed data. “Reviewing and consolidating the information was time-consuming, but it gave us valuable insights into drilling procedures and the conditions we encounter in our fields,” she shared.
Collaboration within the consortium played a vital role in overcoming these challenges. ON relied on open communication and support from partners to ensure the information they provided was accurate and valuable for OptiDrill’s development.
Effective Methodologies and Milestones
When asked about the methodologies that contributed to their success, Helen pointed to diligent work and strong communication as key drivers. A significant milestone for ON was delivering comprehensive data to support the development of OptiDrill’s AI model. This data enabled the system to include drilling predictions for volcanic formations, enhancing its adaptability. Helen remarked, “Being able to demonstrate results from the AI model is fundamental to the project, and our contributions have been crucial in achieving this goal.”
Collaboration and Industry Impact
Collaboration with consortium partners was pivotal in achieving the project’s objectives. Helen highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, “Good collaboration was necessary to reach our goals. The advisory system we’ve developed will undoubtedly benefit drilling procedures by reducing downtime and improving efficiency—ultimately lowering costs.”
She also noted that innovations behind the AI model’s development could have broader applications beyond geothermal drilling. “The teaching and interpretation procedures used in the AI model may prove useful for training models with different types of data in other industries,” she added.
Game-changing Innovations
For ON, the AI-driven advisory system is the standout innovation from the OptiDrill project. Helen explained that the model’s ability to reduce downtime and costs is a game-changer for geothermal utilisation. However, the model’s success relies heavily on the quality and volume of data it receives. Continued efforts to refine and expand these datasets will only enhance its effectiveness.
Lessons Learned
Participating in OptiDrill provided ON with valuable lessons about drilling operations and data management. Helen reflected, “We’ve gained a better understanding of the challenges that arise during drilling, as well as the importance of having diverse and reliable partners. The project also reinforced the need for extensive data to create effective models, a process that takes time and collaboration.”
Looking Beyond Geothermal
While ON’s primary focus is geothermal energy, Helen sees potential for the OptiDrill system in other drilling industries. “This technology could be useful in all drilling operations, not just geothermal. Expanding the AI model to assist with field predictions could provide valuable support for future projects,” she suggested.
A Final Word
ON Power’s contributions to the OptiDrill project have been indispensable in shaping the AI advisory system for complex volcanic environments. Their expertise and collaborative spirit have advanced not only the project’s goals but also the broader understanding of geothermal drilling.
As the OptiDrill project concludes, the work done by ON and other consortium partners lays the groundwork for a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future for the geothermal industry.
Interviewee Profile: Helen Ósk Haraldsdóttir
Helen Ósk Haraldsdóttir is a Project Manager in R&D at ON Power, specialising in geothermal energy and material testing for geothermal applications. With an MSc in Mechanical Engineering focused on geothermal energy and corrosion, Helen has worked on various aspects of geothermal utilisation including deep geothermal wells, material selection, emission reduction, and waste-to-value applications.
The OptiDrill project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Action under grant agreement No. 101006964, continues to showcase the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing geothermal energy solutions. Stay tuned for more insights from our consortium partners in the “Beneath the Surface” blog series.
