Iceland’s energy needs, more than any other country in the world, are predominantly met by renewable energy sources.  Over 70 percent of Iceleand’s energy needs are met by renewable energy sources with imported coal and oil making up the rest.  Practically all of Iceland’s electricitiy is provided by renewable sources with well over 80 percent coming from hyrdoelectric and the rest coming from geothermal (heat from within the Earth).

Geothermal energy is derived from radioactive decay within the Earth and is relased through such natural occurrences as volcanoes, geysers and naturally heated pools of water.  Iceland is situated in an area with a high concentration of volcanoes which makes it an ideal location for generating geothermal energy. Geothermal energy can be used for for generating electricity when the source, like a pond, lake or geyser, reaches about 302 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).  Although it is an excellent, clean and inexpensive source of energy, geothermal provides less than one percent of the world’s energy needs.  Pictured on the left is one of Iceland’s many geothermal sources.

To learn more about geothermal energy in Iceland, you can visit The Reykjavik Heating & Electricity Plan.