Reykjavík criticizes reports on Sorpa’s profits and international travel expenses

The City of Reykjavík is criticizing reports regarding losses at Sorpa and international travel expenses documented in the same meeting minutes. Sorpa’s profits for the first half of the year fell short of expectations, with a reported profit of 211 million Icelandic króna, which is 22 percent below projections. According to Sorpa’s board meeting minutes presented to the Environment and Planning Council, revenues increased by 11 percent beyond anticipated levels, while labor costs were 6 percent under budget. However, operational expenses surged by 18 percent over expectations. The operating profit (EBITDA) for the same period was half a billion króna, also falling 18 percent short of forecasts.

In light of these numbers, a representative from the People’s Party criticized the decision of Sorpa’s board and municipal executives from the capital area to travel to Finland to examine advanced waste incineration facilities, despite the current underperformance in profits. Concerns were raised about whether all board members need to participate in such a trip, suggesting that knowledge-sharing could occur domestically instead.

The meeting minutes reveal plans for a delegation to visit Finland to study high-tech waste incineration processes, stressing the importance of learning from neighboring countries. Although the People’s Party supports initiatives to utilize energy and resources from waste, they question the necessity of sending the entire board on this type of trip. Six municipal representatives from different localities currently serve on Sorpa’s board.