| Abstract |
Iceland is rich of renewable energy and produces more electrical power per capita than any other nation. Around 75% of the produced electricity is exported by means of power intensive industry. The hydro and geothermal power projects are located in attractive environment and power projects are becoming increasingly more controversial. Each and every power project is debated and protested. In an attempt to create reconciliation about what power projects to realize, which to put on hold for later decision and which to preserve, the government of Iceland developed a process called “Master Plan for Geothermal and Hydropower Development” that was initiated in 1999. The first phase was presented in 2003 and the second phase has been ongoing since 2004. The steering committee has presented a proposal where approximately 1/4th of the countries power projects are ruled in utilization class, 1/4th ruled to be on hold until next phase and around half of all available power project options are either ruled to be within previously designated preservation areas or in the preservation class. The final ruling of the phase 2 was expected before February 1st 2012 by a joint proposal from the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for industry, energy and tourism. However, the ruling has repeatedly been delayed due to disagreement between the two ruling political parties, the Left Green Party and the Social Democratic Alliance. The Master Plan is an important exercise for the renewable energy industry. If a general agreement can be made between the power industry, the mainstream opponents of power projects and the leading political parties, renewable energy can continue to generate valuable export revenue for Iceland at the same time as contributing the minimizing global impact of the power industry. |