Startup Iceland 2023 is proud to announce that Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company, will be joining us as a gold sponsor for this year’s event. With a history of more than 50 years in sustainable energy production, Landsvirkjun is a leading player in the energy industry and a vital part of Iceland’s economy.
Landsvirkjun was founded in 1965 with the mission of harnessing Iceland’s natural resources to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the people of Iceland. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation has allowed it to develop a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources, including hydropower, geothermal energy, and wind power.
Hydropower is the cornerstone of Iceland’s energy production and Landsvirkjun operates 16 hydropower plants throughout the country, with a total installed capacity of almost 2,000 MW. The largest of these is the Búrfell hydropower plant, which has an installed capacity of 270 MW and provides electricity to over 100,000 homes. Hydropower is a consistent and renewable source of energy, and has been a key factor in Iceland’s success in achieving carbon neutrality.
Geothermal energy is another important component of Landsvirkjun’s portfolio. Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary where two of the Earth’s plates are diverging, has created a unique environment where geothermal energy can be harnessed for power generation. Landsvirkjun operates five geothermal power plants throughout the country, with a total installed capacity of 575 MW. The largest of these is the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, which has an installed capacity of 303 MW and provides heating and electricity to the greater Reykjavik area.
In recent years, Landsvirkjun has also been exploring the potential of wind power. The company has installed two wind turbines in the country’s northeast region, with a combined capacity of 3 MW. While wind power is still in its early stages in Iceland, the country’s location on the edge of the Arctic Circle means that it experiences strong and consistent winds throughout the year, making it an ideal location for wind power production.
Sustainability is at the heart of Landsvirkjun’s operations, and the company is committed to minimizing its environmental impact while maximizing the benefits of its energy production for the people of Iceland. Landsvirkjun’s sustainability efforts include a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting biodiversity and preserving natural resources, and supporting local communities.
In addition to its core mission of providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy, Landsvirkjun is also committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Iceland. The company has invested in a number of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in the energy sector, including partnerships with universities and research institutions, and support for startups and entrepreneurs.
As a gold sponsor of Startup Iceland 2023, Landsvirkjun is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, and its support for the growth of the startup ecosystem in Iceland. The event provides an excellent opportunity for Landsvirkjun to engage with startups, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world, and to showcase its leadership in sustainable energy production.
In conclusion, Landsvirkjun’s contribution to the energy sector and to the Icelandic economy is undeniable. Its commitment to sustainability and innovation, and its focus on supporting local communities, make it an important player in the global effort to transition to a more sustainable and resilient future. We are proud to have Landsvirkjun as a gold sponsor of Startup Iceland 2023, and we look forward to working together to build a better future for Iceland and the world.
