University Centre of the Westfjords Receives Grant from the Climate and Energy Fund
The University Centre of the Westfjords has received a grant of ISK 924,222 from the Climate and Energy Fund in the category “Energy Transition in Operations or Energy Savings,” specifically for installing sustainable energy equipment at UW.
A total of ISK 1.308 million was allocated from the Climate and Energy Fund for 2025, with 109 projects receiving grants this year out of roughly 300 applications. These are projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions or involve innovation and the implementation of new technologies in the fields of environment, energy, and climate.
For over two decades, the University Centre of the Westfjords has provided important education and research in fields related to sustainable development and environmental and resource management. UW emphasizes international participation and innovation in education, with special focus on the challenges of the Arctic.
Most UW activities take place in classrooms and office spaces at Suðurgata in Ísafjörður. To support UW’s sustainability policy and reduce the environmental footprint of daily operations, it has been decided to install renewable energy sources in the form of solar panels and a small wind turbine. The goal is to reduce electricity purchases and increase the sustainability of UW’s energy use in a visible and educational manner.
The project aligns well with the objectives of the Climate and Energy Fund to support the implementation of environmentally friendly technology and energy transition. In addition, it has significant visibility and educational value for students, teachers, and visitors.
The Project
The goal of the project is to establish a sustainable electricity system at the University Centre of the Westfjords through the installation of solar panels and a wind turbine that will generate electricity for the daily operations of classrooms and offices.
Main project tasks:
- Selection of equipment (solar panels, inverters, batteries, and wind turbine) based on energy needs and site conditions.
- Preparation and design of the electrical system and mounting structures.
- Installation and connection of equipment to UW’s infrastructure.
- Implementation of a remote monitoring system that measures energy use and production.
- Education and presentation for students and staff on the system’s operation and results.
- Signage and visibility of the system for educational and community benefit.
Project objectives and benefits
The goal of the project is to reduce UW’s electricity purchases and make the operation of the teaching rooms partially self-sustaining, thereby supporting carbon neutrality. In addition, the project will create a platform for learning, research, and education related to renewable energy and serve as a model for other institutions in the energy transition. The energy demand of the teaching space is estimated to be in the range of 7–8 kWh per day, and the energy system is expected to meet a large portion of that demand over the course of the year.
The University Centre of the Westfjords thanks the Climate and Energy Fund for the grant.