Landsvirkjun receives permit for first wind power project in Iceland

The Icelandic energy company Landsvirkjun has received its first permit for a wind power project in the country, located at Búrfellslundur in Rangárþing ytra. The permit, granted by Orkustofnun, allows for the construction of up to 30 wind turbines, each reaching a height of up to 150 meters. The total installed capacity of the wind farm is projected to be around 120 MW.

Landsvirkjun plans to build the turbines near the Sultartangastíflu dam, an area anticipated to become a significant site for renewable energy in Iceland. The estimated operational lifespan of the turbines is between 25 to 30 years.

Halla Hrund Logadóttir, the director of energy affairs, emphasized the importance of long-term planning for wind energy in Iceland, noting that the scale of this project is unprecedented in the country. She also highlighted the need for public discussions about the ownership of future wind power plants, indicating a potential shift in the landscape of renewable energy ownership in Iceland.

This development marks a significant step for Iceland, diversifying its renewable energy portfolio, which largely relies on hydro and geothermal power. The introduction of such large-scale wind power infrastructure is expected to attract attention due to its scale, and may spark further discussions regarding renewable energy in the region.