Brussels, 09/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - Iceland is an EU candidate country and a member of the European Economic Area. It is also an island that possesses significant energy resources based on its unique geology and abundant hydrographic resources. It is a model for exploiting renewable energies, particularly geothermal energy.
Meeting in Brussels on 8 April, Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger and Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphedinsson held discussions on energy issues of common interest. These discussions also focused on the role of geothermal energy, the European strategy for renewable energy and ways of increasing cooperation in this area.
More than 80% of Iceland's primary energy production comes from renewable energy, including geothermal energy (more than 65%) and hydro power (15%). Volcanoes, fumaroles, solfataras, geysers, boiling mud and natural hot springs are the source of Icelandic geothermal energy.
Icelandic engineers have become experts in the exploitation of geothermal energy and heat from the land is used as a national energy source. Thanks to technological progress, most Icelandic houses are heated by geothermal energy, as are public buildings, swimming pools and greenhouses etc. Geothermal energy is also used for creating electricity but hydro power remains the main source.
Iceland's energy potential is much higher than the needs of its population of barely more than 300,000. Due to its isolation, Iceland cannot export its abundant electricity, which has led it to seek to attract energy-intensive industries to the island. (EH/transl.fl)