Icelandic Master Plan for the Protection and Development of Hydropower and Geothermal Resources in 12 weeks public consultation
Since 1999 work on a Master Plan for the protection and development of hydropower and geothermal resources in Iceland has been in progress. The aim was to evaluate and categorize possible hydropower and geothermal schemes with respect to effects on nature, environment and cultural heritage, energy potential, feasibility, national economy, as well as the potential for other uses of the areas in question.
69 hydropower-and geothermal schemes have now been evaluated and ranked in one of three categories; a) ”appropriate for development“, b) ”appropriate for protection“ or c) ”awaiting further consideration“.
According to law the Master Plan is now in 12 weeks Public Consultation until November 11th. After that the Minister of Industry in consultation with the Minister of Environment will put forth a proposal for Parliamentary resolution.