Andakílsárvirkjun

History & Background

The history of Andakílsárvirkjun dates back to 1947, a pivotal year when local municipalities in West Iceland joined forces to construct this vital hydropower plant. Its establishment marked a significant step towards regional self-sufficiency in energy, designed by Icelandic consultants who skillfully engineered a solution to harness the powerful flow of the Andakílsá river. This collaborative effort underscored a growing national ambition to utilize Iceland's abundant natural resources for progress. Upon its completion, Andakílsárvirkjun proudly stood as the third largest hydropower station in Iceland, a testament to the nation's burgeoning capabilities in engineering and renewable energy. For decades, it served as a cornerstone of the region's power supply, contributing substantially to homes and industries. Over time, ownership transitioned, and today the plant is part of Orkuveita Reykjavíkur, the Reykjavík Energy company, continuing its legacy of sustainable power generation. The plant meticulously harnesses the impressive fall of the Andakílsá river as it descends from Skorradalsvatn, with the main power generation occurring approximately 500 meters upstream from the visible station house. While the facility remains an active industrial site and does not offer tours to visitors, its historical significance and the dramatic natural setting make it a compelling landmark in the West Iceland landscape, symbolizing the nation's enduring connection to its powerful natural environment.

Practical Information