REYKJAVIK INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORT TO CONGRESS

UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000022

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/NB, EEB/ESC/IEC GLENN GRIFFIN
COPENHAGEN FOR ESTH HUB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD IC
SUBJECT: REYKJAVIK INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORT TO CONGRESS

REF: STATE 10743


1. Iceland produces nearly all of its electricity and home heating
from the renewable resources of hydropower and geothermal power.
The responses below are keyed to questions in reftel.


A. The Economic and Commercial Section handles energy matters. The
total number of staff in this section is one FSO and two locally
engaged staff. The Ambassador and DCM are also frequently engaged
in matters pertaining to energy, as well as the Public Affairs
Officer.


B. Individuals and percentage of their time spent working on energy
issues:

1 Economic and Commercial Officer, 25 percent
1 Economic and Commercial Assistant, 15 percent
1 Public Affairs Officer, 5 percent
1 Deputy Chief of Mission, 10 percent
1 Ambassador, 10 percent


C. Description of energy-related duties and qualifications (none
have special energy-related qualifications):

1 Economic and Commercial Officer, FS 3, conducts dialogue with
government and government owned energy producers, reports on
renewable energy development and related innovations, seeks avenues
of bilateral cooperation in renewable energy research, manages
energy-themed visits by USG officials.

1 Economic and Commercial Assistant, FSN 9, provides media summaries
and analysis of renewable energy developments and climate change,
provides input to reporting on renewable energy area.

1 Public Affairs Officer, FS 3, promotes USG renewable energy and
climate change efforts in the media, supports energy-themed visits
by USG officials.

1 Deputy Chief of Mission, OC, Engages Icelandic government and
energy contacts on USG efforts in renewable energy sector, promotes
US interests in energy sector, seeks avenues of bilateral
cooperation in renewable energy research.

1 Ambassador, MC, Engages Icelandic government and energy contacts
on energy issues through meetings and public events, promotes US
interests in energy sector, seeks avenues of bilateral cooperation
in renewable energy research.


D. State Department funds spent by Embassy Reykjavik on energy
related activities:

Total FY 2007 pro-rated salary costs: $52,100

Programs: $700 (energy related domestic travel)


van Voorst