Possibility of Wind Power Being Explored - IcelandReview

Possibility of Wind Power Being Explored

The municipality of Norðurþing has granted permission to the National Power Company of Iceland (Landsvirkjun) to conduct research around Húsavík, North Iceland, on the possibility of setting up a wind farm there.

Most of Iceland’s electricity is generated either through geothermal power or hydropower, but Landsvirkjun does operate two windmills for research purposes.

Any visitor to, or resident of, Iceland can attest that wind is a natural resource Iceland certainly has plenty of, and Landsvirkjun has been eager to explore wind power, but the subject has been a contentious one for many years.

The area that Landsvirkjun and Norðurþing agreed on for the research of more wind power covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometres. There, no more than 20 windmills would be raised, each 150 metres tall, if the area is considered appropriate for wind power.

They will also be situated in such a way that they will not be seen from within Húsavík, which Norðurþing municipal council director Katrín Sigurjónsdóttir told RÚV is the most controversial aspect of raising any windmills.

When asked if she anticipated opposition from Húsavík residents to the windmills, she responded that the project was still in the beginning stages and how people will respond remains to be seen, but that “this area is probably the least controversial in the Húsavík vicinity.”