Iceland's helping hand
A generation ago Iceland was dependent on imported fossil fuels, today they are practically energy independent. Now Iceland wish to share it's knowledge to help other countries achieve energy independence.
Full steam ahead. Iceland seek to inspire other countries to drill for geothermal.
Iceland’s foreign minister Ossur Skarphedinsson wish to share Icelandic expertise with the world.
- What we did, others can do, he says.
In a speech at the UN General assembly Iceland’s foreign minister suggested that the world could learn from Iceland’s experience in the field of renewable energy. Skarphedinsson especially focused on Iceland’s leap from being dependent upon imported fuel to being being practically energy independent.
- A generation ago, we were as dependent on imported fossil fuel as any other nation. A generation later, 80 % of our energy needs are met by renewables. All our heating, all our electricity is 100 % renewable.
The secret behind Icelands success was to "use the treasures that were under our feet and before our very eyes" as he put it. He pointed at the underestimated possibilities of geothermal in places like Latin America, Asia and Africa.
- Many of these countries could, for example with Icelandic expertise, achieve a clean energy transformation. Some of them could even become self sustainable in terms of energy, he said.
As an example of Iceland’s commitment Skarphedinsson pointed at the United Nations geothermal training program in Reykjavik, which he said the state has safeguarded despite current economic difficulties.
Sharing knowledge for 30 years
Since 1979 the United Nations University geothermal training programme in Reykjavik has welcomed professionals from developing countries. Here the trainees learn from the best, and work side by side with professionals at the National Energy Authority and ISOR (Iceland GeoSurvey), learning about most aspects of geothermal research, exploration, and development.
From around the globe. United Nations University Fellows 2009, representing 11 countries (Photo: Snorralaug, UNU)
The aim of the programme is to assist developing countries with geothermal potential to establish groups of specialists in geothermal exploration and developement by offering six month specialised training. Furthermore, in cooperation with University of Iceland the students have the possibility of extending their studies to a MSc degree in geothermal sciences or engineering.
Over the years 402 fellows from 43 countries have completed the six month course. The largest groups have come from China, Kenya and the Philippines. Since the start in 1979 Iceland has spent 18 million USD on the project .
A long way from home
Sometimes however it is Icelandic engineers who find themselves a long way from home. As in the United Arab Emirates, where Reykjavik Geothermal now will aid the emirate states in drilling for heat, instead of oil. In the scorching desert of Abu Dhabi plans are now being made for a city completely powered by renewable energy, Masdar City.
Masdar: Abu Dhabi's dream of a carbon neutral and zero waste community. Icelandic expertise is now searching for geothermal sources that can power the oasis' air conditioning. (Photo: Foster + Partners Architects)
The developers have found that parts of the city’s energy needs could be met by energy from geothermal sources. The need for geothermal in the desert heat might sound strange, but it is actually to power the city's 5-megawatt air conditioning system. Water will be pushed into the hot wells and converted to steam which will turn turbines and generate electricity.
- If everything goes in the best way the wells could generate up to half of the total energy used at the city, Gudmundur Thoroddsson, the chief executive of Reykjavik Geothermal recently told Abu Dhabi newspaper The National.
State owned energy company Masdar has awarded Reykjavik Geothermal a contract of USD 1.6 million to help them drill the necessary wells, some of which will be as deep as 4 km. The idea is of course old news to Icelandic engineers, but when finished, this plant will be the first of its kind in the traditionally oil dependent states of the Persian Gulf.
Other companies on familiar ground, in foreign countries:
- GeoThermHydro in Latin America, a joint venture between Iceland GeoSurvey, Mannvit and Verkis.
- Geysir Green Energy operating in Germany, the United States, China and the Philippines
- Reykjavik Energy Invest in the Republic of Djibouti in East Africa
- Reykjavik Geothermal targeting opportunities world wide.
Further reading
Foreign minister Ossur Skarphedinsson speech at the UN
Iceland's climate and energy policies
Orkustofnun - National Energy Authority of Iceland
The Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University
