A delegation of Icelandic companies and government representatives is set to attend the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, to present Iceland’s achievements in renewable energy and carbon capture technology. The delegation, led by the organisation Green by Iceland in partnership with the Icelandic Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate, aims to forge international partnerships to accelerate global green energy transitions and support climate resilience.
Iceland, recognised for its advancements in renewable energy and carbon capture, is home to the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, the largest geothermal power station in Europe. The facility lies at the heart of Iceland’s Geothermal Park, where companies implement waste-to-value initiatives, using geothermal energy for sustainable operations that reduce emissions and create economic benefits.
Nótt Thorberg, Director of Green by Iceland, highlighted the pressing need for action on climate issues: “The urgency to scale up renewable energy and manage carbon emissions has never been greater. Iceland’s journey to energy independence has shown the transformative power of renewable energy, and we stand ready to share our experience. By collaborating with the global community, we can overcome the challenges of the energy transition and unlock new opportunities for decarbonisation, leading to a sustainable and secure future for all.”
The delegation includes representatives from several pioneering Icelandic companies, who will present their expertise and solutions in renewable energy, consulting engineering, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) at COP29. Among the technologies to be showcased are:
- Carbfix: Known for its innovative carbon mineralisation process, Carbfix transforms CO₂ into stone, offering a scalable model for long-term carbon storage. The company is a frontrunner in efforts to reduce emissions through effective and permanent solutions.
- Climeworks: This global leader in direct air capture technology operates Mammoth, the largest DAC plant worldwide, located in Iceland. The technology extracts CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, making it a key tool for addressing carbon emissions at scale.
- ON Power: The operator of Hellisheiði, Europe’s largest geothermal power plant, ON Power promotes a circular economy model through its Geothermal Park. This initiative uses geothermal energy to power diverse industries in a way that maximises resource efficiency and minimises environmental impact.
Edda Aradóttir, CEO of Carbfix, expressed enthusiasm for Iceland’s participation in the conference, saying, “The climate challenges we face are severe and global, and we need proven solutions. We are excited to engage with global partners at COP29 and share our carbon mineralisation technologies that have the potential to make a significant impact in reducing emissions.”
The Icelandic delegation plans to actively participate in key discussions and events throughout COP29, offering their practical insights and solutions to support other countries in achieving climate targets. Iceland’s success in renewable energy, alongside its advancements in carbon capture, will be on display as the country seeks to share its knowledge and collaborate with others to tackle global climate challenges.
The presence of Icelandic innovators at COP29 underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy and its willingness to partner with others in advancing clean energy and carbon capture initiatives worldwide. As nations face mounting pressures to meet emissions targets, Iceland’s practical solutions and willingness to share proven models could offer a pathway to a greener, more resilient global economy. Additional details will be shared here.