Wind, the invisible force that sweeps across oceans and mountain passes, is fast becoming a pillar of the renewable revolution. Turbines now convert air’s kinetic power into electricity for hundreds of millions of homes, and global wind capacity has climbed beyond 1.1 terawatts.
For Iceland, one of the windiest countries on Earth, turning breeze into power might seem obvious. Yet the island has long met its needs with abundant hydropower and geothermal heat. Only now is wind beginning to enter the national energy mix.
Iceland’s First Steps
In 2013, the National Power Company of Iceland (Landsvirkjun) erected two pilot turbines on the lava fields of Hafið, north of Mt. Búrfell in southern Iceland. Together they produce about 5–6 gigawatt-hours per year, enough to supply several hundred homes, and have shown capacity factors near 40%, a performance level many European developers envy.
Encouraged by these results, Landsvirkjun is preparing its first large-scale wind farm: Búrfellslundur, planned to start delivering power in 2026 and reach full operation in 2027. The project will include 28 turbines over roughly 17 km², with an expected capacity of more than 120 megawatts.
Yet the plan has met pushback. The municipal council of Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur argues that the project would limit the municipality’s ability to develop tourism and outdoor recreation in the area and should not move forward against local wishes. This debate highlights a tension between Iceland’s clean-energy ambitions and the protection of its unspoiled landscapes.
Why Wind Now?
Iceland already runs on nearly 100 % renewable electricity, about 70 % hydropower, and 30 % geothermal. Adding wind is not about phasing out fossil fuels but about diversifying supply and boosting resilience:
- Dry years can reduce hydroelectric output; wind could keep the grid stable when reservoirs run low.
- Wind can enable new power-intensive industries, including green hydrogen and e-fuel production for export.
- A more diverse mix supports data centers, heavy industry, and potential electricity exports while keeping emissions near zero.
A 2023 national impact study flagged concerns about how wind farms might alter landscapes, affect birdlife, and influence tourism, all vital to Iceland’s identity and economy. The Búrfellslundur debate shows that social acceptance may shape the pace of development as much as technology or economics.
Lessons from Abroad
While Iceland debates its first large project, other nations have forged ahead:
- China leads the world in installations, adding massive onshore fleets and pioneering giant offshore and floating platforms.
- The United States has built sprawling prairie wind belts.
- Europe, led by Germany, Spain, and Denmark, has spent decades integrating variable wind into complex power grids.
Closer to home, Scandinavia shows what’s possible:
- Denmark now gets almost 60 % of its electricity from wind and is home to turbine giant Vestas and offshore pioneer Ørsted.
- Sweden reached roughly one-fifth wind power in 2023.
- Norway is developing floating offshore farms such as Hywind Tampen to power oil platforms and its mainland grid.
These examples show that with smart planning and strong local engagement, wind can scale without undermining public support.
Promise and Precaution
Wind brings undeniable benefits: it is renewable, abundant, and among the cheapest new power sources globally. It cuts greenhouse-gas emissions, reduces reliance on imported fuels, and creates skilled jobs. Yet its growth is not impact-free. Turbines can reshape iconic vistas and affect birds and bats; communities worry about noise or visual disruption; and integrating variable output requires grid reinforcement and storage.
For Iceland, the challenge is to balance community concerns with the promise of a more diverse, export-friendly energy system. If handled carefully, with clear planning rules, transparent environmental reviews, and genuine local dialogue, wind could complement hydro and geothermal, strengthen Iceland’s grid, and support new climate-friendly industries such as green hydrogen.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Iceland
- Two pilot turbines at Hafið: 5–6 GWh annually, ~40 % capacity factor.
- Búrfellslundur: 28 turbines, >120 MW, first power 2026, full by 2027.
Global & Comparative
- Worldwide installed wind power: 1,136 GW in 2024, adding a record 117 GW that year.
- China: ~70 % of new installations in 2024, largest global capacity.
- Denmark: 59 % of national electricity from wind in 2024.
- Global Wind Power Tracker: >28,700 wind farm phases worldwide.
Takeaway
Iceland stands at a crossroads: it can keep its power system almost entirely renewable while opening new frontiers in green fuels and energy exports. But success will hinge on how well developers and authorities respect landscapes, wildlife, and local voices. Búrfellslundur may become a model, either for how to integrate wind into Iceland’s clean-energy legacy or for how public resistance can shape the next chapter of the country’s energy story.
Source: Landsvirkjun, Global Energy Monitor, Aenert, WWEA, State Council of the People´s Republic of China