Kárahnjúkar Project Iceland

The Kárahnjúkar project is a large dam and hydroelectric project in eastern Iceland completed in 2008 to provide energy for a new aluminium smelter and to try and reduce the depopulation of the eastern part of the country.

The project is controversial and demonstrates the conflict between preservation of the environment and economic development. The photographs show some of the difficult physical conditions encountered in activities which will be unfamilar to many.

More information on the project is on the web site of the Owner, Landsvirkjun Power: http://www.lvp.is.

An excellent discussion on the dichotomies presented by the project was published in the National Geographic magazine in March 2008: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/iceland/del-giudice-text