Icelandic director criticizes wind farm approval at Búrfell for lacking strategy

The Executive Director of Landvernd has criticized the recent approval for building a wind farm at Búrfell, deeming it premature. Björg Eva Erlendsdóttir emphasized the necessity of developing a comprehensive long-term strategy for wind energy in Iceland before such projects can progress. The Icelandic energy authority issued a permit to Landsvirkjun yesterday to construct 30 wind turbines, each reaching heights of up to 150 meters.

This project marks the first wind energy license granted in Iceland. Erlendsdóttir stated that there is currently no overarching strategy in place regarding wind energy utilization, suggesting that approvals for wind power production should not be granted without such groundwork established.

Landsvirkjun plans to erect the turbines across a 17-square-kilometer area near Vaðalda, just below the Sultartangastífla dam. The proposed turbines would be significantly taller than Reykjavik’s Hallgrímskirkja church, almost doubling its height, with two experimental turbines already erected at the site being under 80 meters tall.

Erlendsdóttir raised concerns about the visual impact of these “massive structures” on the surrounding central highlands, highlighting the need for careful consideration of their effects on the landscape. While there were reports that environmental organizations like Landvernd had not raised objections to the project, Erlendsdóttir clarified that the organization had indeed submitted comments and raised warnings during the review process.

The board of Landvernd is expected to discuss the possibility of appealing the permit during a meeting today.