A letter from an IceNews reader with some interesting ideas about Iceland’s energy reserves: Read the full story

Geothermal power stations in Iceland will have to reduce their emissions of hydrogen sulphide in the wake of a new directive proposed by the Minister for the Environment. The proposed rules are the first step in the ministry’s plan to lower sulphur pollution from geothermal stations which are potentially harmful to health. Read the full story

Europe’s biggest fleet of hydrogen powered cars can be found in Iceland, following the recent arrival of ten new hydrogen cars to the country. Iceland’s total fleet now consists of 22 such vehicles. Read the full story

More than a dozen hydrogen-powered cars participated in a rally race of sorts to mark the opening of a 560-kilometre stretch of highway that is conveniently lined with hydrogen refilling stations for alternative fuel vehicles. The route runs along a scenic highway between Oslo and the North Sea oil town of Stavanger. Read the full story

Hertz Iceland recently became the first company to offer fully hydrogen-powered cars for rent. The first hydrogen fuel station opened in Reykjavik in 2003, which makes filling up one of Hertz’s three converted Toyota Prius cars a breeze.

For those who want the hydrogen experience but who don’t want to drive, the first hydrogen powered commercial vessel started sailing the Icelandic waters in April. The Elding boat offers whale watching tours for EUR 43 (USD 66) a trip and has got good reviews. Not only is the hydrogen-powered engine environmentally friendly, but it is easy to shut down, which allows whale watchers to enjoy the sounds of whales swimming and blowing, something a diesel engine on most boats does not allow.

The hydrogen powered ships and cars are just a few ways that Iceland is using to become a carbon-neutral nation. Already, the country derives 80 per cent of its electricity from hydropower projects and most of the rest of its electricity from geothermal projects. Transportation, including cars and fishing boats, remain the largest challenge to Iceland’s becoming carbon neutral and if the Elding and the converted Prius are a success, Iceland could be well on its way to achieving its environmental goals.

The fleet of zero emissions hydrogen fuel cell buses being trialled on the streets of some of the world’s major cities have broken the two million kilometre mark, according to theautochannel.com.

The experimental fleet of city buses were mostly in European cities, including Reykjavik and Stockholm, but also in Perth and Beijing. Together they have already carried over seven million passengers. Nine of the buses are still operating in Hamburg.

The buses were created by Daimler in cooperation with dozens of partners in business, science and politics. The project, which started in 2003, has proven highly successful and it is hoped the data collected will lead to the development of further such technology.

The buses have a range of 300km and a top speed of 80km/h. They proved popular with commuters due to their quiet, smooth operation and novel plumes of water vapour.