Ölfus council member expresses concerns over economic development plans in Iceland

In the municipality of Ölfus, local council member Hrönn Guðmundsdóttir has raised concerns regarding the ambitious plans proposed by the majority for economic development in the area. She emphasized that the local community should not accept every offer from large corporations, urging the necessity for consultation with residents about these extensive projects.

Ölfus Cluster, a developmental company in the region, anticipates investments nearing 450 billion ISK in the next five years, equivalent to one-third of the Icelandic government’s expenditures for this year. This proposed economic growth involves approximately 70 projects, heavily focused on sectors such as food production, mineral extraction, and tourism, alongside data centers. These initiatives will require up to 430 megawatts of energy, surpassing the combined output of the Hellisheiði and Nesjavallavirkjun power plants.

While the Independence Party holds a clear majority in the municipality, Hrönn stresses the need for comprehensive dialogue. She expressed that the scale of these projects necessitates careful planning and collaboration with both residents and minority council members to ensure that all parties have access to the same information.

Moreover, she pointed out that many large industries are vying for land in the area, and there is a need for smaller enterprises to be included in the economic development strategy. Although a public consultation is planned for the autumn, Hrönn noted that previous outreach efforts may not have reached many residents, highlighting the importance of transparent communication in the planning process.

The development could create approximately 800 direct jobs and about 1,200 indirect jobs, with a significant focus on the information technology sector and water usage in aquaculture.