There are plans to enhance the power output of geothermal wells by exploiting the deeper, supercritical part of hydrothermal systems. This will require wells between 4 and 5km deep to reach temperatures between 400 and 600°C. In December 2003, a well (named RN-17, on the south side of the Reykjanes borefield) was drilled to just over 3km. However, it became plugged during a flow test in November 2005. Attempts to recondition the well in February 2006 failed due to caving of the formation, and it was abandoned.
Since December 2003, the pace of development of geothermal resources in Iceland has accelerated enormously. Besides the 100MWe of new production coming on line at Reykjanes, there is 90MWe at Hellisheidi and plans to supply electricity to a 250kt/y aluminium smelter near Husavik. These developments have led to the drilling of many new production wells at Reykjanes and Hellisheidi, with more planned in the next few years at these sites and at Krafla.
Since 2003, however, the cost of drilling services and well completion materials has risen sharply on the worldwide market, and there has been a long lead time (up to nine months) for valves and casings. Drill rigs have also become scarcer because of increased drilling levels.