The first permits for wind turbines in Iceland were granted yesterday to Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland. The National Energy Regulatory (Orkustofnun) granted the permits for developments around Búrfellslundur in South Iceland, where there are plans to raise 30 wind turbines. Vísir reports.
The first wind farm in Iceland
Landsvirkjun has been working for years on research and preparation for a wind farm on the lava and sand plains east of the Þjórsá river, where two wind turbines are operated for research purposes. The wind farm, known by the working title Búrfellslundur, is planned for the Þjórsá and Tungnaá area, the largest power area of Landsvirkjun, which operates seven hydroelectric stations in the region. The area is also notable for its favorable wind conditions.
Plans for the wind farm include 30 wind turbines on a 17 square kilometer area, with hopes to begin operations by the end of 2026. Read more about the project.
A significant step, but not the last
“This is a project by Landsvirkjun, the first large wind farm in the country, and it perhaps gives us an opportunity to discuss wind energy in a broader context based on a real project,” Halla Hrund Logadóttir, former presidential candidate and current director of Landsvirkjun, stated to Vísir. “There is certainly a need for that. There are a great many projects in preparation, and it is extremely important to have a long-term strategy on these matters.”
Though the NER permit is an important first step, it’s certainly not the last, and Landsvirkjun still needs to apply for development permits with the relevant municipality – in this case, Rangárþing ytra.
Halla also stated that the planned wind turbines will be 150 metres tall, which is twice the height of Hallgrímskirkja cathedral in Reykjavík, and that the turbines would likely be visible from neighbouring regions, though there are plans to minimize the visual impact on the landscape.
Generate up to one third the capital’s energy needs
When fully operational, the planned wind farm could generate up to 120 megawatts, which is approximately one third the total energy usage of the entire capital area.
Halla continued: “We believe that wind is one of the greatest resources we have in Iceland and we are taking certain steps in this area. I believe it is incredibly important to consider where we want to see these structures, and hopefully, this project will help politicians and the public understand what these projects mean so that we can be sensible with regard to future developments.”
