Rest in Peace

Last week, I found out that a colleague from my film industry days took his life. Although I haven't seen him for several years, the hours we did spend working together, through the thick and thin of film production, were enough to leave me saddened to hear this incomprehensible news. 

No doubt the last few days have been full of reflection and questioning of life, it's value and what it takes from us. As human beings, the depth and make-up of our emotions are not apparent. Where there is light, there are also shadows that form and stay. As easily as the layers of joy be perceived, so can those that ache, be hidden. 

My friend, rest in peace. I hope what was tumultuous and painful for you is now clear and calm.

Fragile

A sign of rebirth in a barren volcanic area where all organic lifeforms were once destroyed.

Two Heads

More than just volcanoes

"When Ingolfur Arnarson sighted land on the voyage which would make him the first settler in Iceland, he threw the pillars of his high seat overboard and relied on the gods to direct him to where he should settle. His slaves found them washed ashore in a bay where "smoke" rose out of the ground. Therefore they called it Reykjavik -"Smoky Bay". But the smoke after which Iceland's capital is named was not the result of a fire, but was rather steam rising from hot springs. "
[Source]

In the world today where 'climate' and 'sustainability' are key words in every newspaper or daily conversation, it is necessary to start with a blog posting related to this subject when writing about Iceland. This Nordic Scandinavian country is not just immensely beautiful but also has a prime advantage for generating geothermal energy.

Several factors contribute to Iceland as an established leader of the geothermal industry. The country is right on top of very active geological ground (the Mid-Atlantic ridge) and is home to a high concentration of volcanoes. The ground in Iceland is much warmer than nearby countries due to this geological activity, and therefore makes the extraction of geothermal energy much easier and much more effective.

There are 5 main geothermal power station in Iceland. Statistics from 2008 indicate that these plants produce 28% of the nation's energy and geothermal power meets the heating and hot water requirements of approximately 87% of all buildings in Iceland. The remaining 70% of the country's power comes from hydroelectricity and only 2% from fossil fuels which makes Iceland also a leader in renewable energy sources!

Iceland aims to be totally energy independent by 2050. More about Geothermal resources in Iceland here.