The Icelandic ambassador emphasizes that Spanish islands can leverage Iceland’s experience in geothermal energy to move towards energy self-sufficiency. He warns that European climate policies must consider the remoteness of island territories to prevent a loss of competitiveness. The ambassador also highlights the islands’ potential as a business hub connecting Europe, Africa, and America, and advocates for sustainable tourism that protects local environments and resident well-being.
Iceland has successfully utilized its hydroelectric and geothermal potential, with around 90% of Icelandic homes heated by geothermal energy. This transition began in the early 20th century and gained momentum in the 1970s. The ambassador hopes that Spanish islands can similarly benefit from geothermal resources, as it has been transformative for Iceland’s energy independence.
Like Iceland, Spanish islands could progress towards energy self-sufficiency by incorporating geothermal energy alongside wind and solar power. Geothermal energy offers a stable, 24/7 supply that is not weather-dependent, unlike wind turbines and solar panels, which face space and installation limitations.
Both Iceland and the Spanish islands face challenges due to their distance from mainland Europe, impacting the cost of implementing EU climate measures. The ambassador notes that flight emission taxes increase travel costs, potentially making non-European destinations more attractive to tourists. He stresses the need for tailored solutions to ensure these regions remain competitive within the European market.
The ambassador mentions Iceland’s efforts to encourage airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) instead of conventional fuel, although current production levels cannot meet demand. He warns that European flight taxes could make destinations like Morocco, Turkey, or Egypt more appealing due to lower travel costs.
There is interest from Icelandic companies in collaborating with Spanish islands on geothermal projects. Iceland has a geothermal cluster with specialized knowledge that could be beneficial for developing similar initiatives in Spanish territories.
