REYKJAVIK, Iceland, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --     Iceland is the world's leading nation in utilising renewable
energy. Its next aim is to tackle the transport industry. Renewable energy
for vehicles and sustainable solutions for transport are the focus of Driving
Sustainability '07 Conference (http://www.driving.is) held in Reykjavik on
September 17-18.

Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy with 72% of its total 
energy consumption from hydro- and geothermal sources. The remainder, 
mostly fossil fuels, is consumed by the transport and fishing sector. Iceland 
is now taking the next step by increasing energy efficiency and the share of 
renewable energy for vehicles. A volcanic island with abundance of renewable 
energy sources and a small nation with an innovative mindset provides for an
exciting case study on how to move towards a 100% sustainable energy society.

The conference will provide an excellent opportunity to network with 
policy makers and fuel technology experts from around the world. His 
Excellency, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson President of Iceland, will open the 
conference. The first keynote will be delivered by the Minister of Finance, 
whose Ministry is in the process of creating proposals for a new 
comprehensive taxation framework for fuels and vehicles with the aim of 
encouraging the use of eco-friendly cars, energy efficiency, and decreasing 
emissions from transport.

Speakers include Icelandic, American, Swiss, French, Danish and Swedish
specialists in pioneering policy and technology for eco-friendly vehicles
such as ethanol, biogas, hydrogen, electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
Organizations represented include Ford Europe, MIT, California Cars
Initiative, French Ministry of Industry, Icelandic Energy Authority, city of
Copenhagen, city of Reykjavik, city of Stockholm, and the Iceland Innovation
Institute.

Opportunities for expert guided tours of Iceland's many hydroelectric and
state of the art geothermal power plants can be arranged for visiting
journalists and interested parties, as well as visits to a biogas production
facility and the world's first hydrogen refuelling station. The sources of
Iceland's renewable energy are best enjoyed by visiting Iceland's many
spectacular waterfalls, hot springs and geysers, and of course by relaxing in
the Blue Lagoon outdoor spa under a starlit sky in the middle of a lava
field.

Iceland and renewable energy: the facts

- 72% of Iceland's total energy consumption is from hydro- and
geothermal sources

- Iceland has no fossil fuels as a natural resource

- Reykjavik was the site for the world's first commercial
hydrogen refuelling station, opened in 2003

- There is a growing fleet of hydrogen passenger cars as well
as busses and cars running on locally produced biogas

- The import of ethanol cars and E85 fuel has begun and a
Toyota Prius hybrid is being converted to a plug-in hybrid in September by
the National Energy Authority

- This first plug-in hybrid in the country will be able to run
over 100 kilometres on electricity alone

- All properties and industry in Iceland are run on renewable
energy resources

- Three Icelandic cabinet ministers drive hybrid cars

- His Excellency, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson President of Iceland
uses a hybrid Lexus L600

- Icelandair is currently introducing the option of carbon
offsetting for all its passengers

- The city of Reykjavik recently introduced free parking for
eco-friendly vehicles

- Barbara Boxer, US Senator & Chairperson of the Senate
Environment and Public Works Committee recently visited Iceland to learn more
about renewable energy

- Icelanders are acknowledged as the world's leading
authorities on renewable energy and their know-how in geothermal energy is
being exported throughout the world.

Media contact: 

    Conference Director: 
    Mr. Teitur Torkelsson 
    +354-897-1469 
    teitur@driving.is