Iceland as an oil state : identifying and analyzing the risks and opportunities presented by the Dreki area

• Main Author: Metzger, Daniel J., 1988-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn á Akureyri
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Coastal and marine management; University Centre of the Westfjords; Haf- og strandsvæðastjórnun; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Olíuvinnsla; Ísland; Háskólasetur Vestfjarða; Haf; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/15832

Exploration of oil and gas reserves on Iceland’s continental shelf is currently underway, particularly concentrated in the northeast’s Dreki area. This study systematically analyzes ecological, economic and legislative baselines in order to present managers with a nuanced understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with developing the area. This study uses document analysis and stakeholder interviews to integrate original ethnographic data with existing secondary literature. Respondents identify what they view as the most important and divisive questions concerning exploiting the Dreki area’s resources. Discussions of the area reveal broader concerns regarding Iceland’s future as a producer of non-renewable energy, perceived regional inequities within the nation, and the impact of the international community on decision-making within Iceland.