What a Load of Rubbish!

The fact is that Iceland, although renowned for its clean air, is well ahead in searching for alternative renewable and clean power sources. Both geothermal and hydro-electric energy already supply 70% of Iceland’s needs and at a cost that is attractive to major developments such as the new Karahnjuka hydro-electric and aluminium project.

Nevertheless in a bid to keep the capital city’s air clean and to move into the forefront of research the Icelanders are using hydrogen to power experimental buses and methane to power 35 test vehicles. (Image right shows Reykjavik Hydrogen station).

The landfill site at Alfsnes is stacked with 1.5 ton bales from which emanate pipes to take the methane to a miniscule 850KWH power plant to feed the national grid. The rest is cleaned of CO2 and used to power the test vehicles. It is expected that the site will serve until 2015. In the meantime, while they seek a replacement site Reykjavik will have cleaner air, be even less dependent on fossil fuels and reap the benefits of cheaper fuel. Interestingly the waste water pipe egress has attracted a thriving and marketable colony of scallops out in the bay!

Educational groups visiting Iceland can learn about alternative fuel sources. An explanatory CD has been produced for schools and additional information can be acquired by us ...

FURTHER INFORMATION

Phone::                    01737 214251
Email:                      study@discover-the-world.co.uk
Visit our Website:      www.living-planet.co.uk 
 

Image © Tony Escritt                  

9 December 2005