Engineering in Iceland - Igniting Innovation in a Unique Landscaped

Engineering is one of the most important scientific disciplines in Iceland due to its unique geological location. The high concentration of volcanoes on the island has enabled its inhabitants to become leaders in the production of geothermal energy. In order to utilise this natural and renewable energy source, a solid academic knowledge base has developed in Iceland in the form of renowned universities and engineering schools. These include the Reykjavik University School of Engineering and the geothermal engineering programme at the University of Iceland.

Engineering in Iceland, energy and knowledge

Over the course of the 20th century, Iceland has undergone a dramatic change in its energy production. Originally one of the poorest countries in Europe, Iceland relied on peat and imported coal to generate electricity. Thanks to the latest technological developments, Iceland has managed to become a leader in renewable energy production and a pioneer in the use of geothermal energy.

Geothermal plants across the country generate 26.2% of Iceland’s electricity. The remaining 73.8% of Iceland's electricity grid is supplied by hydroelectric plants, which also benefit from scientific advances in technology. Iceland is also home to the Hellisheiði power plant, a marvel of Icelandic engineering and the third largest geothermal power plant in the world.

It is therefore no wonder that the major Icelandic engineering companies such as Mannvit, HRV and Geysir have specialised in the development of geothermal and hydroelectric plants and operations.

The history of engineering in Iceland is more than 100 years old. The Association of Chartered Engineers in Iceland (Verkfræðingafélag Íslands) is the labour and trade union of engineers, founded in 1912 to represent and defend the interests of those working in engineering. Thanks to the progress of these engineers, Iceland has become one of the most modern energy producers in Europe.

To keep up with the increasing demand for engineers in Iceland, the country has developed renowned study centres where young engineers are trained with state-of-the-art curricula. The two main universities for engineering programmes are Reykjavik University and the University of Iceland.

Reykjavik University, the largest private university in Iceland, is home to the country's leading engineering school. Its Faculty of Engineering offers programmes at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The Faculty of Engineering is also home to the Iceland School of Energy, demonstrating the close connection between engineering and energy production.

The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Iceland offers degrees in mechanical engineering (specialising in renewable energy – geothermal energy) and other engineering disciplines such as computer engineering and electrical engineering.

Get in touch with Icelandic professionals

To have an extensive consultancy relating Engineering, both related to geothermal and hydroelectric engineering works in Iceland, as well as academic education in the field of Engineering, contact Swapp Agency . We are a leading group of experts in various fields. Our professional team will be happy to help you understand the impact of engineering in Iceland, both in academia and in power generation, whatever your interest. Regardless of the industry or sector, we are ready to answer all your questions.