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Effective policy making for sustaining a renewable energy society in Iceland |
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During the 20th century Iceland has emerged from one of Europe’s poorest
countries, dependent upon imported oil and coal, to a country with one of the
highest standard of living where practically all stationary energy, and roughly
72% of primary energy, is derived from indigenous renewable sources (54%
geothermal, 18% hydropower) with near carbon-free electricity production. This
is the result of an effective policy in making renewable energy a long-term
priority in Iceland. Nowhere else does geothermal energy play a greater role in
providing a nation’s energy supply. It is the policy of the Government of Iceland
to increase the utilization of the renewable energy resources even further, e.g.
in the transport sector, in harmony with the environment. A broad consensus
on conservation of valuable natural areas has been influenced by social
opposition, increasing over the last decade, against large hydropower and
some geothermal projects. Moreover, some energy companies plan to take
green-initiatives in minimizing visual impact of geothermal power-plants to
further increase public acceptance of geothermal utilization for electric power
production. The Icelandic Government decided in 1997 to develop a Framework
Programme for potential power projects. All proposed projects are being
evaluated and categorized on the energy efficiency and economics but also on
the basis of the impact that the power developments would have on the
environment. This complete Framework Programme on the energy resources
and the value of their conservation is to be presented to the Icelandic
Parliament for formal consideration in 2010.
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Id: |
3 |
Place: |
Hotel Holiday Inn, Athens, Greece 50 Michalacopoulou st, 11528, Athens Room: Cosmos B, C |
Starting date: |
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Duration: |
20' |
Contribution type: |
Talk |
Primary Authors: |
Mr. KETILSSON, Jonas (Specialist, Energy Resources Division, National Energy Authority of Iceland) |
Presenters: |
Mr. KETILSSON, Jonas |
Material: |
Slides |
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