Story
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1. Foundation and early years (1998-1999)
RST Net was founded on January 8, 1998 by Þórarn Kristján Ólafsson, an electrical engineer, and Arnhildur Ásdís Kolbein, a business analyst. The goal from the beginning was to provide specialized services in the electrical industry, offering spare parts service and consulting for energy companies. The first projects were mainly maintenance and repairs of electrical equipment for Rarik, including distribution and power transformers and substations, along with operational projects for Kjósarveita.
2. The first major construction projects (1999-2002)
The company soon took on larger projects. These included the installation of electrical equipment for the Sultartangi power plant in 1999 and all electrical and mechanical works at Vatnsfellsvirkjun in 2000–2002. This marked a turning point in the company's operations: engineers, mechanics and metalworkers were added to the team and the company became equally qualified in the field of mechanical and electrical engineering.
Vatnsfellsvirkjun: RST Net was responsible for the installation of cast-in-place and composite components, turbine, prime mover, 220 kV gas-insulated substation, 11 kV cables, 2 x 11/220 kV 50 MVA power transformers, 11/0.4 kV substation transformers, generator connection equipment, IBP and circuit breakers, all auxiliary and control systems for the power plant.
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3. New markets and expansion
(2003–2011)
After the Vatnsfells power plant, a strong development began and the company's projects increasingly shifted to contracting in larger projects. The projects became more diverse and cooperation with large customers increased, especially the three aluminum smelters that became regular customers in all areas of the company. During this period, RST Net moved its headquarters to Álfhella 6 in Hafnarfjörður, where it now operates, and began a systematic development of facilities and equipment for voltage maintenance and further projects.
Left: RST Net was responsible for the installation of electrical equipment for the 6th phase of the geothermal power plant in Nesjavellir,
including the laying and connections of control and high-voltage cables.
Right: RST Net did a lot of work for ALCOA Fjarðaál in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the company was responsible for the replacement of 120 pcs of 52 kV outdoor equipment at five rectifier departments at the ALCOA aluminum smelter in Reyðarfjörður. During 2010, company employees were responsible for disconnecting and removing the rectifier, rectifier and regulator voltages that were damaged in the fire on December 18, 2010. Installation of new high-voltage, low-voltage and control cables, as well as installation and testing of rectifier equipment.
4. Production of distribution transformer stations
(2012-2014)
In 2012, RST Net began designing and preparing for the production of distribution substations (50–315 kVA). The first units were sold at the end of 2014, marking a new chapter in the company's history, as its own production was supplemented by service and installation.
Here, Hilmar Thorarensen Pétursson, a mechanic, is seen with a 1000 VERTO distribution substation manufactured by RST Net.
5. Substation and heat pump station in focus (2015–2019)
During this period, RST Net worked on a number of large-scale projects that strengthened the company's position in the market. These include the installation of several substations (AIS) in Mjólká, Hvolsvöllur and Akranes, as well as the heat pump station in Vestmannaeyjar. In the spring of 2017, the company signed a four-year contract with Rarik ohf, following a tender, for the production of all distribution substations for those of the size 50 kVA, 100 kVA and 200 kVA.
These projects were extensive and demanding and demonstrated the company's ability to undertake large and complex projects in the field of infrastructure development.
Left: The heat pump station in Vestmannaeyjar. In 2018, RST Net was responsible for the procurement and installation of electrical equipment for the heat pump station in Vestmannaeyjar, as well as the connection of the heat pump equipment. The heat pump station is 10.4 MW and is expected to meet about 80% of the district heating system's energy needs. The heat pump station has seawater pumps that pump 6-700 liters of 6-11°C warm seawater through a distillate and cool it down. The energy obtained from the cooling is transferred to a second heat exchanger that heats the district heating water.
Right: In 2016, Rst Net worked on a substation in Mjólká. The project involved the installation of 132 kV and 66 kV switchgear (AIS), construction and installation of control and protection equipment, as well as the provision of cables and other electrical wiring materials for the installation of transformer 4.
6. Digital substations, energy exchange and quality systems (2019–2024)
This period marked a turning point in RST Net’s operations with the implementation of the company’s first digital substation (GIS). In collaboration with the Swiss engineering firm KEK, which specializes in control and protection equipment for digital substations, we quickly became the leading experts in this field in Iceland. We now handle the programming of the equipment and have test equipment at our headquarters.
At the same time, the number of digital substations increased, and RST Net began the energy transition by selling charging stations to Landsvirkjun. The service department also grew rapidly and today handles voltage maintenance, general service and call-outs for aluminum smelters, large-scale industries and electricity systems throughout the country.
During this phase, systematic work began on the company’s quality system and the first certifications were achieved: ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems and equal pay certification ÍST:2012.
New chapter – new look and major construction projects (2024– )
In 2024, a new chapter in RST Net's history began when the company introduced an updated logo and a fresh look that reflects a clear commitment to the electricity sector. In the same year, the company received the ISO 14001 environmental certification, which confirms its focused work on sustainability and a responsible environmental policy.
RST Net continues to participate in large infrastructure projects in Iceland. The most notable of these is the Vaðölda power plant in Þjórsá, where we are responsible for the procurement and installation of 33 kV and 11 kV distribution as well as station operating transformers. The project also includes a 400 V main distribution, two DC distributions, control and protection equipment with programming and installation, as well as monitoring and finishing of 33 kV and 11 kV cables. Finally, the company is responsible for 220 kV penetrations and various additional works.
At the same time, we are working on some of our largest projects to date for Landsnet. These include the digital substation at Ferjufit, which will be connected to the country's first wind farm, as well as projects at Sigölda and Klafastöðir. These projects mark a turning point in the development of the energy system and the introduction of new technology in Iceland.
Left: The new substation at Klafastaðir will be a 220 kV substation with 7 switchgear bays. The existing 220 kV capacitor substation at Brennimell will then be moved to Klafastaðir and into the switchgear room of the existing reactive power plant.
Right, top image: RST Net and Landsvirkjun sign an agreement for the supply and installation of equipment for the Vaðalda Hydropower Plant.
Right, bottom image: New RST Net logo.