Industry and Energy

Icelandic innovation has led to Iceland being at the forefront in the utilisation of renewable energy sources, and people come from all over the world to see and learn from our experience. Framsókn wants Iceland to remain a leader in the development of renewable energy sources. Framsókn also wants Iceland to be at the forefront when it comes to energy transitions. Domestic resources are a significant advantage and should be utilised responsibly.

Framsókn believes that the energy produced locally should be used for domestic value creation and to enhance Iceland's competitiveness in the international market. Electricity is the foundation of a diverse economy, quality of life, and value creation here in the country.

Framsókn wants to ensure that the government promotes innovation and investment in the field of renewable energy, as progress in this area and energy transitions are the foundation for economic growth in harmony with the environment. Framsókn aims to contribute to accelerating these changes.

Framsókn believes it is important to support diverse development in renewable energy. It is evident that energy utilisation has increased significantly year after year and will continue to grow in line with the increasing technological development of the world. The importance of renewable energy sources will therefore only increase.

Framsókn emphasises the need for a clearer strategy aimed at increasing innovation in resource utilisation. Investment in innovation based on resource utilisation is promising for regional stability and job security in rural areas.

A competitive knowledge society requires targeted investment in both basic and applied research, and it is important to ensure a good research environment for outstanding scientists. Strong competitive funds in research and innovation are one of the prerequisites for the competitiveness of Icelandic science and innovation environments and an important foundation for accessing foreign funds and cooperation programmes.

Framsókn also believes that energy should be allocated according to importance. It is the right approach to enshrine in law that sufficient energy will be ensured for households and small and medium-sized enterprises if energy rationing is necessary. Naturally, large users would bear the brunt of the reductions, but many macroeconomically important companies fall under this concept, generating considerable export revenue for society. Consideration should be given to these companies in the aforementioned circumstances, and efforts should be made to limit as much as possible such disruptions in their operations, with the corresponding impact on their supply of goods and/or services.

It is important to ensure education and raise awareness about energy utilisation and the possibilities of saving it in the daily operation of households and businesses.

Heavy Industry

Heavy industry related to the utilisation of renewable energy has created numerous employment opportunities across the country. Local communities should benefit from the development of green heavy industry, and services to the heavy industry should be sourced from nearby. It is important to consider environmental and climate viewpoints with an emphasis on efficient resource utilisation, waste minimisation, and secure energy efficiency.

Green Industry

Framsókn believes it is important to further strengthen the green industry in this country. In this way, sustainability can be supported with a focus on circular thinking and improved resource and infrastructure utilisation. The potential benefits of green industrial parks can be varied. These include reduced use of raw materials, such as water, energy, chemicals, less waste due to increased circulation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution, along with lower operating costs and improved production efficiency.

Construction Industry

Framsókn wants to simplify regulations and clarify processes to reduce construction costs without compromising the quality and safety of structures and the wholesomeness of buildings. The requirements for construction entities should reflect the scope of the projects and the type of buildings. New technology and solutions such as modules and modular houses should be utilised to accelerate development. Renewal and educational opportunities in the construction industry must be ensured across the country, e.g., by strengthening schools offering trades and technical education and increasing spaces for students intending to pursue vocational training. The construction industry should adhere to requirements, international standards, and sustainability and climate-related criteria.

Solutions must be sought for land shortages and high plot costs. Authorities need to ensure a sufficient supply of plots in the long term and prevent situations where plots are repeatedly traded before any development occurs. Measures must be taken to prevent construction costs and housing market prices from rising significantly due to factors other than material costs and labour costs, such as additional charges by the state and municipalities during the construction period. Additionally, it is necessary for authorities to ensure essential infrastructure in areas where new constructions arise, especially regarding electricity, water, and other basic needs.

Primary Industry in Manufacturing

Framsókn wants investment support or loans to be offered for startups and innovative companies to invest in equipment and tools that foster increased employment development when it comes to primary production.