Environment - Iceland – Sustainable Energy in Action

Although one of the least habitable countries in the world, Iceland has achieved remarkable success through tapping into its natural resources. Indeed, almost 75% of Iceland’s energy consumption comes from renewable power sources such as geothermic energy and hydroelectricity.

The country represents a unique approach to sustainability and economic success despite having less than 0.1% of arable land. Relying heavily on exports (Britain is one its biggest markets) the sea provides Iceland with 70% of its export earnings. But it’s in the area of renewable energy where Iceland truly sets a leading example. The country has tapped into its most natural resource – the hot water that rises from underground as a result of volcanic activity.

Geothermic energy is a sustainable power source harnessed to provide heating and electricity for the country. In the capital Reykjavik for example, huge hot water tanks located on a hill provide hot water for the entire city – rather than the wasteful heating of individual buildings. You might expect this application of geothermal power to be a recent innovation but Iceland have actually been using this raw energy since 1928. Although Reykjavik has a relatively high energy consumption per capita, it is nonetheless one of the greenest capital cities on earth

Iceland’s unique geology is responsible for the bubbling geysers that surge from underground – the result of constant volcanic activity rumbling beneath the surface.
As well as providing valuable heating to the Icelanders, the desert-like lava-fields, volcanoes, and glacial valleys provide breathtaking sites for tourists. The country’s major tourist attraction is the Blue Lagoon, created by the run-off from a geothermal power station.

Geothermal power is also used for greenhouse farming. Vast greenhouses are fed hot water from underground pipes to maintain ideal growing temperatures for tomatoes and other crops. Iceland also produces the world’s ‘greenest’ vodka – made from natural spring water filtered through volcanic lava rocks for ultimate purity.

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[ Iceland – Sustainable Energy in Action ]