Break the vicious cycle of oil

Guðjón Hugberg Björnsson, technical director of ON Powwer, wrote an article that appeared on Vísir, where he discussed the need to break the vicious circle that has formed around the use of fossil fuels.

In the article, Guðjón points out that society is still trapped in a pattern where the majority of the population is  dependent on imported oil. Despite growing awareness of climate issues and the need for an energy transition, infrastructure, investment, and consumption habits continue to support the use of fossil fuels. This creates conditions in which it is difficult to achieve real change.

“We import oil for about ISK 160 billion a year. In this year’s budget, about ISK 5 billion is allocated to the Climate and Energy Fund. Those funds are meant to support the nation’s energy transition as a whole; both in the shipping fleet, domestic aviation, among transport companies, and in the necessary development of infrastructure throughout the country.”

Guðjón says in the article.

To break this vicious circle, Guðjón says that instead of spending billions patching up temporary increases in imported oil prices, we should rather greatly accelerate the energy transition in transport. We should do it now so that we are not dependent on decisions made across the ocean.

He also points out that Iceland is in a unique position to be energy self-sufficient. “Let us think about tomorrow instead, trust the technology that is ready, and invest with full force in our own energy. That is the only way to ensure that the wheels of business keep turning, transport runs smoothly, and our daily freedom to travel is always on our own terms.”

Guðjón's article is a contribution to an important discussion about how we continue the energy transition and thus take the next steps toward a more sustainable future.

Guðjón's full article can be read here.