A Review of Small Hydro Electricity Generation Potential in Iceland

While Iceland has in recent decades developed its power system based on large hydro and geothermal projects, the current development faces environmental concern and some opposition. In addition, wind energy has had difficulties in the initial phase of its development process, for the same reason. Therefore small hydro presents an interesting option to satisfy future demand in the coming energy transition. The immediate need is to replace fossil fuel in the transportation sector with renewable, emission free energy. Small hydro as a resource may contribute to such future electricity needs, especially if its environmental impact is viewed to be more benign than the large scale hydro development or new wind generation. This paper surveys and summarizes Iceland’s small hydro potential with estimated streamflow, power capacities, location and other attributes for integration it into the present Icelandic power system.