As climate change has become a prominent issue globally, many countries have strived to reduce their carbon footprint. One such country is Iceland.
According to the Government of Iceland, “About 85% of the total primary energy supply in Iceland is derived from domestically produced renewable energy sources. This is the highest share of renewable energy in any national total energy budget.” According to an article published by the United Nations, Iceland’s volcanic activity provides a source for geothermal energy and its glacial rivers provide a source for hydroelectric power. Iceland has taken advantage of its unique geology to become more sustainable which is inspiring, not only for other countries, but for everyone concerned with the protection of our planet.
One of Iceland’s most impressive achievements is its use of natural, sustainable resources to generate the country’s power. Unlike many other places around the world, Iceland does not use any fossil fuels to produce electricity. Rather, they use hydropower as their main source of energy. According to Green by Iceland, “The first hydropower station was built in 1904. By 1937, electricity from hydropower replaced imported coal for cooking needs in Reykjavik. In the 1960s, Icelanders started phasing out fossil fuels for clean electricity.” Now, in 2023, Iceland is one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is the use of naturally moving water to generate electricity. “Because the source of hydroelectric power is water, hydroelectric power plants are usually located on or near a water source” according to the U.S Energy Information Administration. Iceland’s distinct geology contributes to the country’s ability to implement the use of hydropower. According to Green by Iceland, “The primary source of hydropower is the meltwater rivers flowing off massive glaciers” and an astounding “70% of Iceland’s electricity comes from hydropower, with the remaining 30% produced from geothermal power”.
Geothermal energy is an equally important source of heating and electricity throughout Iceland. Geothermal energy is reliant on the country’s hot springs to generate power. Due to the country’s significant amount of volcanic activity, hot springs are abundant. According to journalist Jessica Aldred, Icelanders harness geothermal energy by “sticking a drill in the ground near one of the country’s 600 hot spring areas, and using the steam that is released to turn the turbines and pump up water that is then piped to nearby settlements.” What is most impressive about Iceland’s efforts to use geothermal energy is that the island has now eliminated its dependence on fossil fuels to produce electricity and heating for its citizens. Journalist Christopher Mims explains, “One Hot Island: Iceland’s Renewable Geothermal Power….Iceland is now the leading exporter of geothermal expertise to the rest of the world”. In short, Iceland has not only made groundbreaking achievements in utilizing sustainable ways to produce energy, but also in spreading its knowledge and techniques to create a more sustainable world.
The United States, “having the highest average consumption of energy from coal, oil and gas per person in 2022” has quite a bit to learn from Iceland in terms of renewable, sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, on an individual level, it is important for all of us to do what we can to make our lives more sustainable and do our part to fight climate change. Even small acts such as educating ourselves, spreading awareness, and making sustainable choices in our daily lives can have a substantial impact when it comes to the health of our planet.
