Legal Framework and National Policy for Geothermal Development in Iceland
ABSTRACT In this paper, a brief description is given of the national policy, legal framework and official monitoring of geothermal resources in Iceland. It is the policy of the Government of Iceland to increase the utilisation of the energy resources, e.g. to fuel the transport sector, in harmony wi...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.1045.8790 http://www.geothermal-energy.org/pdf/IGAstandard/WGC/2010/0319.pdf |
| Summary: | ABSTRACT In this paper, a brief description is given of the national policy, legal framework and official monitoring of geothermal resources in Iceland. It is the policy of the Government of Iceland to increase the utilisation of the energy resources, e.g. to fuel the transport sector, in harmony with the environment. The Master Plan for hydro and geothermal energy resources in Iceland will categorise and evaluate the impact possible power projects can have on the economy and environment. Three major amendments have recently been made to the energy legal framework in Iceland: (1) Ownership of resources cannot longer be sold by the state or municipalities although utilisation rights can be leased to a developer for up to 65 years with a possibility of extension. Royalties for the utilisation are determined by the Prime Minister. (2) Producers of electricity compete on an open market in Iceland. Therefore CHP power plants are obliged to keep separated accounts for heat and power production to prevent cross subsidisation of electricity. |
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