Icelandic Pumped Hydropower Storage Project

How big is Iceland's hydropower development?

Bigger hydropower development started in the early 1970s. Today, the country has an installed hydropower power generation capacity of 2,204 MW. This represents around 72% of the whole power generation capacity in Iceland.

Why did Iceland start a hydropower company?

In 1965, Iceland established the national power company Landsvirkjun to “optimize the country’s natural energy resources and to encourage foreign investors within power-intensive industries to invest in Iceland.” Bigger hydropower development started in the early 1970s.

When was the first hydropower plant built in Iceland?

The first hydropower plant in Iceland started operation in 1904 in Hafnafjörður. Reykjavík saw its first hydropower plant set up in 1921 and Akureyri in 1922. With these plants, the electricity market in Iceland was created.

Why is Iceland a good partner for hydropower development?

Iceland participated actively in the development and establishment of the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol and was one of the early supporters and is actively an active user. Icelandic companies have been engaged internationally in the development of hydropower plants of various sizes.

Where is Kadamparai hydroelectric pumped storage power plant located?

The Kadamparai Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Power Plant is situated in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, close to Malaiyandipattanam. Due to its capacity being larger than 25 MW, the project is categorized as a major project. From Tadri to Kanyakumari, west-flowing rivers make-up the hydropower project's basin.

How did Iceland create the electricity market?

With these plants, the electricity market in Iceland was created. In 1965, Iceland established the national power company Landsvirkjun to “optimize the country’s natural energy resources and to encourage foreign investors within power-intensive industries to invest in Iceland.”