Dartmouth Events
DEC Lunch: Towards a Sustainable Energy Future
Transitioning to a low-carbon, more sustainable energy system in Iceland is a possibility in the near future, but the decision on how could have lasting implications.
Towards a Sustainable Energy Future
Presentation by Professor Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir
Currently 86% of primary energy use in Iceland is derived from renewable and domestic energy resources. Two sectors still rely on imported fossil fuels: the fishing industry and transportation. Transitioning to a low-carbon, close to fossil fuel free economy is therefore a possibility in Iceland in the near future and the Icelandic government has proposed to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
Multiple different development pathways are possible towards a low-carbon and a more sustainable energy system in Iceland as the Icelandic energy resources can be developed and the energy used in diverse ways. Given the capital intensity and longevity of energy infrastructure and technologies it is important that decision-makers realize the multifaceted implications of energy development choices as these will influence the Icelandic society and government budgets for years to come.
This presentation will provide insights to these issues, and present an integrated decision-making framework, based on system dynamics, multi-criteria decision-analysis and sustainability indicators that has been developed to assist decision-makers in Iceland make robust decisions.
About Prof. Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir:
Dr. Davíðsdóttir is a Professor of Environment and Natural Resources at University of Iceland (UoI). She also is the director of UoI Arctic Initiative, academic director of the Environment and Natural Resources graduate programme at UoI and sits on the board of UoI Institute of Economic Studies. In addition to her academic duties Dr. Davidsdottir is the vice chair of the Icelandic Climate Commission. She also is a board member of several Icelandic companies and foundations, and for example is the chairman of the board of Reykjavik Energy. Dr. Davíðsdóttir has extensive teaching, research and consulting experience with a focus on transitions to low carbon energy systems, ecosystem services, sustainability indicators and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Hosted by the Dartmouth Energy Collaborative
*The Dartmouth Energy Collaborative is a partnership of the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society, the Revers Center for Energy at Tuck, the Dartmouth Sustainability Office and the Thayer School of Engineering
Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.