Artist Björk Guðmundsdóttir will be chairing an open panel discussion on the Magma Energy report at the University of Iceland today.
News website Smugan reports that the talk will be given by the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences of the university today. The discussion will cover the conclusions of a report from a committee assembled by the prime minister last summer to investigate the legality of Magma Energy’s purchase of HS Orka. The use of Iceland’s natural resources for energy production will also be a main point of discussion.
Others who will be on the panel include geology professor Stefán Arnórsson, who has recently pointed out that the environmental impact of using geothermal energy for heavy industry is not accurately assessed, as the dangers of such industries as aluminium smelting are not fully taken into account. An accident at an aluminium smelter in Hungary earlier this week that killed at least three people and poisoned the water and soil of the surrounding area is a stark reminder of this.
Also in attendance will be lawyer Aagot Óskarsdóttir and philosopher Ólafur Páll Jónsson, who co-wrote the Magma report; Engineering and Natural Sciences president Kristín Vala Ragnarsdóttir; and actor Benedikt Erlingsson.
The talk will be held in Room 105, in the Háskólatorgi building, at 17:00.