Gunnlaug Ásgeirsdóttir

From Ólafsfjörður to Iceland School of Energy

Growing up in the small fishing village of Ólafsfjörður in northern Iceland, Gunnlaug Ásgeirsdóttir developed a deep connection to sustainability and nature. With a BSc in Fisheries Science from the University of Akureyri, Gunnlaug’s passion for sustainable resource management led her to pursue an MSc in Sustainable Energy at the Iceland School of Energy. "I wanted to broaden my knowledge and focus on sustaining resources on land," she says.

Gunnlaug has embraced the unique flexibility of ISE’s program, which allows students to tailor their education to match their interests. Whether it’s engineering, public policy, or circular economics, Gunnlaug values how ISE has empowered her to explore innovative ideas.

As part of her journey, Gunnlaug also had the opportunity to take a semester abroad at the University of Bern (UniBE) in Switzerland, where she studied political science and government. This experience broadened her understanding of global energy policy and governance, complementing her technical and sustainability-focused studies at ISE.

Thesis: Examining Public Involvement in Iceland’s Energy Transition

For her master’s thesis, Gunnlaug tackled a critical issue in Iceland’s path toward carbon neutrality: public participation in environmental decision-making. With Iceland’s emissions increasing by 5.8% since 1990 despite ratifying the Paris Agreement, her study analyzed the perspectives of various stakeholders in Icelandic society. Through interviews with experts in energy, policy, and governance, she examined how the public’s involvement and concerns are addressed during renewable energy transitions. Her findings highlighted challenges in achieving ‘energy justice,’ including late-stage public participation, energy security concerns, and issues around resource management and profit distribution.

Nature and Inspiration

For Gunnlaug, living in Iceland is about more than studying; it’s about experiencing the beauty of its landscapes. "I love the geothermal pools and the nature that surrounds us. Whether climbing mountains, walking glaciers, or exploring volcanic terrain, the freedom of Iceland’s nature is unmatched."

Gunnlaug is passionate about sustainability in practice, often thinking of ways to reuse and optimize resources. For her master’s thesis, she is exploring projects like life cycle assessments of aquaculture companies or utilizing hydropower reservoirs for floating solar panels or aquaculture. "It’s all about taking one industry’s waste and turning it into value," she explains.

Why Iceland?

Gunnlaug sees Iceland as a global leader in equality, diversity, and sustainability. "In Iceland, everyone is respected, regardless of background. It’s a safe and inclusive society that offers incredible opportunities to grow both personally and professionally."

Gunnlaug’s story reflects the spirit of ISE: a commitment to innovative solutions, global perspectives, and using the world’s resources responsibly to build a sustainable future. Her journey demonstrates the critical role of public engagement and governance in shaping Iceland’s energy future.