Iceland:

UN Secretary General Praises Geothermal Energy (United Nations)

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's remarks at the University of Iceland: "Iceland and the United Nations: Building a Sustainable Future for All" - Reykjavik, 2 July 2013

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) on his visit to Hellisheidi Power Plant, located in the Hengill area, an active volcanic ridge in southwest Iceland. Also pictured: Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson (left), Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; and Bjarni Bjarnason, Director-General of the Reykjavík Energy Authority, which operates the power plant. (Courtesy United Nations)

I am energized here in Iceland. Maybe it has something to do with the remarkable Hellisheiði [geothermal] energy plant I just visited.

Iceland makes important contributions across this agenda. You are a global leader in renewable energy - giving the world a glimpse of the possibility of a sustainable, low-emissions future.

Iceland is taking big steps to promote sustainable energy both at home and around the world. I have seen it for myself and I commend you for it.

Energy will be critical in helping us avoid the worst impacts of climate change and in making a much-needed transition to sustainable development.

My Sustainable Energy for All Initiative aims to help jump-start the transition. It brings together the main actors - governments, business and others. It focuses on dramatic increases in energy access, efficiency and the use of renewables by 2030.

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