Orkustofnun

Orkustofnun, the National Energy Authority of Iceland, is a government agency responsible for energy policy, regulation, and information in Iceland. It operates under the Ministry of Industries and Innovation and serves as the central authority for energy resources, energy efficiency, and safety standards for energy projects. Its remit includes advising the government on energy policy, licensing and oversight of energy exploration and production, and collecting and publishing energy statistics.

The agency conducts and supports research on Iceland’s energy resources, with a particular focus on geothermal and hydro resources that form the backbone of the country’s electricity and heating supply. It maintains technical guidelines, environmental safeguards, and licensing procedures for exploration and exploitation of energy resources, and it monitors energy markets and the overall energy balance. It also provides data and analysis to inform policy decisions, planning for capacity and infrastructure, and measures for energy efficiency and conservation.

Orkustofnun collaborates with universities, research institutes, the private sector, and local authorities, and participates in international cooperation on energy safety, standards, and sustainable development. The organization is led by a director and staffed by experts in geology, engineering, statistics, and policy analysis. Through its work, Orkustofnun supports Iceland’s energy security, transparency in energy markets, and the continued development of renewable energy resources.