Reykjavik rolls out sustainability projects

Keeping it natural

It lays claim to the world’s first public hydrogen filling station, which opened in 2003, and has long used the country’s natural geothermal resources to provide water and heating, rather than relying on fossil fuels.

Now, two of the country’s biggest corporate names, Reykjavik Energy and car rental firm Hertz, are taking decisive action in the drive to advance sustainable forms of transport in Iceland.

Transport fleet gets makeover

Reykjavik Energy provides electricity, geothermal water for heating, and cold water to 67% of the Icelandic population – and to 99% of housing in Reykjavik – by harnessing the energy of Iceland’s geothermal fields.

Under new plans, the company aims to convert about 55% of its transport fleet, approximately 200 vehicles, to sustainable technologies by 2013. In 2007, it set the ball rolling with the purchase of five hydrogen-powered vehicles, two electric vehicles and more than 10 methane-powered vehicles, and will increase its number of non-fossil fuel vehicles over the next few years.

Hydrogen for rent

Also taking the green route is the Reykjavik branch of global firm Hertz – the world’s first car rental agency to make hydrogen vehicles available to the public. Drivers can hire the vehicles directly from hydrogen refuelling stations. Hertz is also offering three Toyota Prius hybrid cars and will add to the fleet if demand increases.

Trend to continue

"As we can see from these examples, Iceland’s alternative fuel fleet is growing, as is the variety of vehicles. Signs are good that this trend will continue throughout the next couple of years," said Jón Björn Skúlason. Mr. Skúlason is the general manager of Iceland New Energy Ltd, a company that promotes the use of hydrogen fuel in Iceland.

Still experimenting

"We are collecting as much information as possible from companies that are implementing sustainable transport changes, and our goal is to evaluate the different fuels and technologies in practice to establish which might bring the greatest economic, social and environmental benefit to Iceland," he explained. "This data will be published as soon as it is available."

Measures like these will hopefully inspire other companies to rethink their transport infrastructure – and ensure that Iceland stays icy for as long as possible.