Eco-industrial park at Álfsnes
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
One of the largest projects in the coming years will be to implement a circular economy where materials and substances are better utilized, recycled, and reused. The goal of the eco-industrial park in Álfsnes is to minimize waste and improve resource utilization. The eco-industrial park in Álfsnes could play a significant role in enhancing Reykjavík's circular economy, with the project aiming to facilitate increased collaboration, projects, and innovation in recycling materials and substances to achieve objectives for stopping the use of landfills and transforming waste streams into resources. A consulting team has completed and submitted a feasibility analysis for the eco-industrial park. Based on the report, development and planning will now begin.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2025
Status report on July 1, 2025
The Nordic Architecture and EFLA team was selected following an open price inquiry to develop a development plan and framework plan for the eco-industrial park at Álfsnes. The team presented initial drafts to a working group at the end of 2024 and later held a workshop in March 2025 with the participation of key stakeholders. The team presented various scenarios for the park's development based on analysis of infrastructure, topography, material flows, resource needs and business opportunities. Stakeholders offered suggestions and discussed which combinations of industries and flows could best reflect the future vision for the eco-industrial park. The consultants are continuing their work, with plans to present the first part of the project — the development plan and planning description — to the City Executive Council in January 2026.
Older status reports
Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description | |
| July 2024 | A counseling team presented a draft report on the feasibility of an eco-industrial park in Álfsnes to a working group, which was given the opportunity to provide comments and suggestions for changes. The report was subsequently updated based on feedback, with the counseling team completing its work in the latter part of 2023. The report consists of three main sections: First section: Diagnosis of resource streams and potential industrial ecosystem. Second section: Planning, stages, and future possibilities. Third section: Preparation, supervision, and financing. | |
| July 2023 | The counseling team conducted the feasibility analysis and presented the draft of the first work package to the working group. The counseling team engaged with various stakeholders, including SORPA, Associated Icelandic Ports, and interested companies, during the report preparation. The report will be finalized in fall 2023 and presented to the working group, the mayor, and other key parties. | |
| January 2023 | Preparations for a feasibility study concerning the development of an eco-industrial park at Álfsnes continued in collaboration with the Eco-Industrial Park's working group. The working group is composed in part of representatives from Sorpa, Associated Icelandic Ports, the Chamber of Industry, and the Association of Municipalities in the Capital Area. The decision was made to go ahead with an open tender under the label of a price inquiry. | |
| July 2022 | A working group has been established to decide on and implement proposals for an eco-industrial park in Álfsnes. The first meeting of the working group was held on May 27, where discussions took place on how operators, developers, and the City want to collaborate on the development, construction, and progress of the eco-industrial park in Álfsnes. The working group is very interested in the project and sees great potential in its development. The working group is now preparing a tender to advertise for a person to further explore the possibilities of creating an eco-industrial park and the possible ways forward. |
Reykjavík City departments:
Related actions
Environmental goals
- 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | Green Deal A carbon-neutral city by 2040 and environmentally sustainable adaptation to climate change.
- 2. Increased carbon sequestration and enhancement of green areas | Green Deal Increased cultivation, utilization, and connection between green spaces.
- 3. The City is adapted to the impacts of climate change | Green Deal Combating climate change and adapting to it.
- 4. Improved access to healthy outdoor recreational options and food | Green Deal Emphasis on public health objectives and increased urban living.
- 5. Sustainable transportation | Green Deal Investment in transport infrastructure based on green and diverse principles.