Legal, Regulatory and Energy Policy Aspects of Geothermal Energy in Iceland

Abstract

In this paper. a description is given of the energy supply situation in Iceland, when gwthermal provided 44.1 of the total penergy supply in 1993, and the counuy's energy resources. The on the ownership of energy resources is described as well as the framework of and governmental intervention into geothermal development and regulation the geothermal indusuy. The paper thengoes an describe the role of geothermal in Icelandic WorldWar outliningthe role of Government in developments. including expanded promotional activities in the wake of the "oil crises"; which have teen instrumental in raising the share of geothermal in the space heating sector less than 50% in 1973 86 Another important pan of Icelandic energy policy over the last three decades is discussed, the effons to utilize the country's energy resources, have been exploited a minor degree, for industrial purposes. especially energy-intensive production processes and for export of electricity.