Over 80% of electricity in Iceland is generated in hydroelectric power stations. While geothermal energy is used for heating (and increasingly for electricity generation), the hydroelectric power stations, historically all run by Landsvirkjun, are central to the existence of Iceland as an industrialized country.
The largest power station by far is Kárahnjúkavirkjun (690 MW), which generates electricity in the area north of Vatnajökull for the production of aluminum.
Other projects and stations include:
- Blöndustöð generates 150 MW
- Búrfellsstöð generates 270 MW
- Hrauneyjafosstöð generates 210 MW
- Laxárstöðvar, on the Laxá River, generates 28 MW
- Sigöldustöð generates 150 MW
- Sogsstöðvar generates 89 MW
- Sultartangastöð generates 120 MW
- Vatnsfellsstöð generates 90 MW
Famous quotes containing the words power and/or stations:
“It is better to have the power of self-protection than to depend on any man, whether he be the Governor in his chair of State, or the hunted outlaw wandering through the night, hungry and cold and with murder in his heart.”
—Lillie Devereux Blake (1835–1913)
“mourn
The majesty and burning of the child’s death.
I shall not murder
The mankind of her going with a grave truth
Nor blaspheme down the stations of the breath”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)