“Requirements with regard to environmental matters are increasing rapidly and Landsvirkjun has outlined a policy to remain at the forefront of these matters.”
Hörður Arnarson, CEO
Landsvirkjun is owned by the Icelandic state and generates electricity by using renewable energy sources such as water, geothermal energy and wind energy. Landsvirkjun’s operations have an inevitable effect on the environment as the construction of power stations and human intervention can affect the ecosystem and society. Landsvirkjun is committed to utilising energy resources in a sustainable manner and to generating energy in consensus with society and in harmony with the environment.
“Requirements with regard to environmental matters are increasing rapidly and Landsvirkjun has outlined a policy to remain at the forefront of these matters.”
Hörður Arnarson, CEO
Landsvirkjun consistently strives to minimise the negative impact of its operations by conducting extensive research and monitoring and by following a clear environmental policy. The Policy has five components:
Landsvirkjun places an emphasis on acquiring the necessary expertise to gain information on various environmental aspects. The Company monitors the impact of its operations and strives to minimise any effects on the environment. Significant environmental aspects within Landsvirkjun’s operations are monitored and the ‘control methods’ are defined. Environmental aspects are divided into three main categories: Natural resources, emissions, effluents, waste and the natural environment and visual aspects.
A special emphasis has been placed on environmental aspects during all preparation work for the Þeistareykir Geothermal Power Station. A 90 MW geothermal power station, built in two phases, is the first step in the careful development of sustainable geothermal utilisation in Þeistareykir. An environmental impact assessment has been carried out for anything up to a 200 MW power station in Þeistareykir. Preparation work was completed on the project in 2014 and an emphasis was placed on landscaping and finishing work reaching completion alongside construction work.
GEOTHERMAL POWER STATION
Regular research and monitoring has been conducted within the Þeistareykir utilisation area since 2002. Researching the area during the preparation, construction and operational stage will give an overall picture of how and if the operation of geothermal power stations affect the geothermal resource and the environment.
Landsvirkjun utilises geothermal energy, hydropower and wind energy to generate electricity. The Company monitors hydrology and the geothermal systems within affected areas. The objective of this is to minimise any negative impact and to monitor any long-term changes which could affect natural resources and the environment.
Landsvirkjun generated 12,807 GWh of electrical energy in 2014. Landsvirkjun delivered 13,085 GWh of energy in 2014 which is a decrease of 22 GWh from 2013; a record year for Landsvirkjun.
Total energy generation
2014
Landsvirkjun has outlined a transport policy where the main focus is the reduction of fossil fuel consumption in Company operations. An emphasis is also placed on carbon binding measures and active participation in an energy exchange plan for Iceland.
Landsvirkjun is committed to reducing its GHG emissions and intends to become a carbon neutral company. Landsvirkjun works consistently to reduce the emission of pollutants and to reduce noise from its operations in the environment.
The largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be traced to Landsvirkjun’s geothermal power stations and the reservoirs at the Company’s hydropower stations. Other sources include the burning of fossil fuels and incineration of waste. The total quantity of GHG emissions from Landsvirkjun’s operations in 2014 was approx. 53 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This is a 7% increase when compared with 2013. However, emissions were 5% less than the average for the last five years which is positive progress.
Large-scale construction projects can have an extensive visual impact. Landsvirkjun places an emphasis on maintaining a balance between the design of manmade structures, landscaping and the natural environment.
COMPUTER MODEL
Visual impact is a significant factor during the design process for wind farms. Preparation measures include an analysis of the land area and assessing the visual impact of structures. Visual models are created to show the land area once construction is completed.
Extensive information on the natural environment and society is an important factor during any preliminary preparation work for new power projects. Landsvirkjun conducts extensive monitoring and research during the preparation and operation stage of any power project to assess how and if Landsvirkjun’s operations affect the environment.
Monitoring results showed that the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Station did not have a negative impact on the growth and welfare of the reindeer population in the Snæfell wilderness.
Research continued on birdlife, freshwater ecology and reindeer within areas affected by Landsvirkjun’s operations. Monitoring was also carried out on erosion and sedimentation within water catchment areas and action was taken to reclaim land quality via land reclamation measures.
Landsvirkjun’s Environmental Report is only published digitally. The Company is committed to the transparent presentation of data in order to support open and constructive dialogue on the Company’s success rate in environmental matters.