Does Iceland have a holistic energy policy?

Aware of the lack of a holistic energy policy, the Icelandic government in 2018 nominated an 18-person committee with representatives from all political parties and four ministries, in addition to three academics (Cabinet of Iceland and Ministry of Industries and Innovation, 2020).

What is the energy system like in Iceland?

Unlike most countries in the world the Icelandic energy system is mainly driven by domestic renewable energy, with an over 85 per cent share of renewables in primary energy supply in 2020 (Orkustofnun 2021).

What is Iceland's primary energy use?

Approximately 85 per cent of primary energy use in Iceland in 2019 is derived from domestic renewable energy, primarily hydropower and geothermal energy. This share of modern renewables in primary energy use is one of the highest in any national energy budget.

How much energy does Iceland save a year?

The federation of employers in Iceland have assessed that compared to the average energy mix used to heat houses in OECD countries, each household in Iceland saves approximately 5,200 euros per year in heating expenditures (Federation of employers, personal communication).

What is Iceland's Energy Vision?

The vision depicts Iceland as a leader in the transition towards renewable energy, sustainable energy production and improved energy efficiency. Finally, the environmental impact of energy development and use is minimized (Cabinet of Iceland and Ministry of Industries and Innovation 2020).

How long has the Icelandic energy system been in transition?

The development of the Icelandic energy system towards over 85 per cent renewables is marked with three somewhat distinct transitions, dating back to the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century (Davidsdottir 2007). The first transition lasted approximately 40 years, from 1900 to the 1940s.