Fjarðarorka plans large wind farm in Fljótsdal to reduce emissions from Iceland’s fishing fleet

Fjarðarorka is planning a large wind farm in Fljótsdal, which has the potential to significantly reduce emissions from Iceland’s fishing fleet. The development aims to produce 500 megawatts of electricity, exceeding previous estimates of 350 megawatts. For this project, located at Reyðarfjörður, Fjarðarorka requires an ammonia production facility, utilizing water and air as raw materials. This facility is predicted to produce 220,000 tons of ammonia annually, needing 250 megawatts of renewable energy.

Using ammonia as fuel could cut carbon dioxide emissions by half a million tons each year, comparable to the emissions of Iceland’s entire fishing fleet. Plans are already in place for the wind farm, which will include approximately 50 wind turbines located across five sites in the Fljótsdal area.

The environmental assessment outlines how the project’s impact on nature, visual pollution, and noise will be evaluated. Feedback on the assessment can be submitted until November 19, and stakeholders are encouraged to express views on visual assessments from specific locations in the region.

The visibility analysis indicates the maximum possible visibility from the proposed wind farm, accounting for 54 wind turbines standing 237.5 meters tall. A detailed report will specify turbine placements and potential mitigative actions to minimize visual impacts.

The project faces scrutiny due to the variable nature of wind energy, necessitating backup power from hydropower plants. The proposed Hamarsvirkjun plant could become classified as protected, potentially complicating energy resource availability in the Eastern Region. The environmental assessment is set to conclude in 2026, and legislative approval from the Althing is required for the wind farm to proceed.