Webinar – Development & Food Security in the Arctic: Role of Geothermal Energy, Oct. 20, 2020
Greenhouse in the winter landscape of Iceland (source: ThinkGeoEnergy)
Alexander Richter
13 Oct 2020
This webinar by under the leadership of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network will look at how geothermal energy can help in regional development and food security in the Arctic region.
Under the leadership of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network with co-organizers being the Icelandic Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2019-2021, Rannís, SSNE and Eimur, a webinar will be held related to how geothermal energy can contribute to regional development and food security in the Arctic.
- Date: October 20, 2020
- Time: 4pm to 6pm GMT (16:00 to 18:00)
The event draws on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Icelandic Arctic Council Chairmanship (2019-2021) theme on Climate and Green Energy Solutions, and Iceland‘s Climate Action Plan for 2018 – 2030. The webinar brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss the role of geothermal energy in municipal and regional development, and its application for food production. Local food production can both stimulate regional economic and societal growth, and enhance the security of its inhabitants. The main objectives are to:
- Promote the importance of renewable sources in relation to food security, and share knowledge of sustainable food production in cold climates.
- Create an international network of experts and stakeholders, including communities, academics, and the public and private sectors, with the goal of exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
- Outline strategy for moving towards sustainable development and renewable energy solutions in northern communities. (The summary from the session would include ideas to that effect.)
Speakers:
- Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland – Opening Remarks
- Jennifer Spence, Executive Secretary, Sustainable Development Working Group, Arctic Council – Chair
- Bjarni Herrera, CEO, CIRCULAR Solutions – Shaping of regional sustainability indicators & creation, implementation & monitoring of sustainable development in Iceland
- Alicja Wiktoria Stoklosa, Project Manager, GEORG Geothermal Research Cluster – The role & use of geothermal energy in the Arctic: Analysis of the Icelandic case, synthesis of best practices, lessons learned
- Martin van der Hout, Former Secretary General, Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators – Food Security & Production in cold climates: Analysis of the Dutch case. Synthesis of best practices & lessons learned
- Heidar Gudjónsson, Chairman, Arctic Economic Council – Involvement of Private and Industrial Stakeholders in Regional & Municipal Development in the Arctic
- Mara Kimmel, First Lady, City of Anchorage, Alaska, USA – The perspective from Arctic Mayors: Municipal and regional development and Indigenous Peoples
- Dirk Janssen, Expert and Virologist, Instituto de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera de Andalucía IFAPA – Greenhouses, heating and cold climates: the problems of infectious diseases in seeds and crops
- Marten Ahlm, Application Expert, Alfa Laval – Technical aspects of geothermal energy and the development of greenhouses and fish farms
- David Try, Board Chair & Board Director, Kitselas Geothermal Inc. – Perspective from First Nation‘s Kitselas on the development of geothermal energy in British Columbia, Canada
Commentators:
- Marit Brommer, Executive Director, International Geothermal Association
- Hjalti Páll Ingólfsson, Operational Manager, GEORG Geothermal Research Cluster
- Alexander Richter, Managing Director, Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster
- Sigurdur H. Markússon, Business Development Manager, Landsvirkjun – National Power Company of Iceland
Source: Arctic Iceland
