Faroe Islands Energy an Example to the Rest

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The Faroes are an archipelago of eighteen islands interconnected by a network of tunnels and bridges. They lie halfway between Norway and Iceland, although Scotland is their closest mainland neighbor two hundred miles to the south. However, no tunnels and land bridges connect the Faroe Islands to these larger land masses. Hence, Faroe Islands energy has to be as self-sustainable as possible.

The Imaginative Mix of Faroe Islands Energy Resources

faroe islands energy
Botni Power Plant (est. 1921): Eileen Sanda: CC 3.0

Faroe Islanders have not exploited their coal resources that could last them a hundred years. Instead, they rely on renewable energy, and imported oil for a single power station on the main island, Streymoy.

However, the hardy people living on the smaller islands have learned to be entirely self-sufficient with renewable electricity. In fact, the Kingdom of Denmark wants the entire semi-autonomous nation to be green by 2030. Plans are in place for new hydropower plants and windfarms.

The Faroe Islands’ current energy mix includes six hydroelectric plants, four diesel plants, and several wind power plants with a capacity factor above 40%. However, they still rely on fossil power generation for half their electricity, with a further 39.5 % from hydro. The rest comes from wind. You see, the cold, lonely windswept islands are often overcast.

A Short Profile of the Hardy Faroe Island Nation

faroe islands energy
Honey It’s Cold Outside: Vincent van Zeijst: CC 3.0

Some 50,000 people inhabit the 540-square mile territory. This is third of the size of Rhode Island, which has a population of a million. The first Faroe Islanders were tiny groups of Irish monks. The Vikings arrived around the year 800, although the population remained below 5,000 until the 19th Century.

Growth took off with the introduction of deep-sea fishing after that. This provided a rich alternative to sparse agricultural food. However, progress has largely bypassed the smaller islands. They order their consumer goods by post that arrives from the main island, Streymoy by helicopter. Their needs are simple. We should envy them, although it is cold there.

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Preview Image: Faroe Islands A Spot on the Map of Denmark

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About Author

I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time. I live in Margate on the Kwazulu-Natal south coast of South Africa. I work from home where I ponder on the future of the planet, and what lies beyond in the great hereafter. Sometimes I step out of my computer into the silent riverine forests, and empty golden beaches for which the area is renowned. Richard

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