Hjalti Steinn Gunnarsson is a project manager of district heating and water supply at Norðurorka Ltd. He has a B.Sc. degree in applied mechanical and energy engineering from Reykjavík University. He has an earlier work experience both at ISOR – Iceland geosurvey and at the Hydrological Service of the National Energy Service in Iceland.

Abstract:

Vaðlaheiði tunnel, the harnessing of the infiltrating water

Vaðlaheiðargöng is a toll tunnel in the north of Iceland, just east of Akureyri. It passes between Eyjafjörður and Fnjóskadalur and is 7.4 km long. Infiltrating water, both cold and hot complicated the construction and caused years in delay. Norðurorka Ltd. – Utility Company, in Akureyri, saw an opportunity in utilizing this source of water and took a role in designing how to collect the water and get it out of the tunnel. The working conditions were tough but with good preparation the operation was successful.