Iceland has achieved the dubious accomplishment of being first in the world in terms of per capita energy use, a detailed survey shows.
The National Energy Authority of Iceland, which compiled the data, shows that only Norway comes close to Iceland in terms of total per capita electricity use. All other countries in the world fall far behind, at about 50% of Iceland’s use on downwards.
According to data compiled for 2005, each Icelander uses the equivalent of 12,209.4 kilograms of oil every year for their energy supplies. Norwegians, by contrast, use 7,153.2 kilos each, while the average for the continent of North America is 7,942.9 kilograms, and that is actually a reduction from 2000. Iceland, on the other hand, is increasing its energy use.
Furthermore, the data compiled only goes as far as 2007, which was before the aluminium smelter at Fjarðaál was built. It is expected that revised data will show even greater energy consumption. Heavy industry accounts for one-fifth of Iceland’s total energy consumption.
Overall, the rising consumption trend does not seem to be abating. Over the next four years, the data predicts, Icelanders will in fact increase their consumption by 7%.
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