Exploring Energy Insights from Iceland to California Travel

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to travel through Iceland, as well as Boston and Southern California. In each location, the weather was noticeably cooler than in Houston, TX, making them ideal summer destinations for escaping the heat.

Visiting hydroelectric and geothermal facilities in Iceland allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible and unique power situation of the country. Iceland's energy system is almost entirely renewable, providing a fascinating glimpse into a sustainable future.  There are great interactive museums and displays that my sons really enjoyed and sparked good discussions. The use of geothermal energy to heat homes and businesses while the cooler climate eliminates the need for air conditioning, highlighting a stark contrast to other places I visited, or Houston where AC is essential.

In Boston, I was surprised to find a coffee shop with the air conditioning set to 82°F. This was not an isolated case; some locals explained that such high settings are not uncommon, though many prefer a more typical range of 72-74°F. This variance reflects different attitudes toward energy consumption and comfort, which are influenced by both personal preferences and economic factors.

Looking at some numbers, it's intriguing to compare the carbon intensity and price of electricity in these four locations. In the chart below, electricity cost (USD/kWh) is shown in green, and carbon intensity (gCO₂/kWh) is depicted in blue.

Reflecting on energy usage while traveling is something engineers and energy enthusiasts can truly appreciate. It offers an opportunity to consider the diverse values and priorities expressed through energy policies and practices. While Iceland stands out as a special case with its abundant renewable resources, electricity prices in California and Massachusetts are about double those in Texas and Iceland. Meanwhile, emissions in Texas are four times higher than in California and 1.5 times higher than in Massachusetts.  Iceland is in a different class with emissions 1/10th of California’s (and at half the cost per kWh). 

These experiences underscore the importance of understanding and adapting to local energy practices. Whether it's setting a thermostat or choosing an energy source, each decision reflects broader environmental and economic considerations.  It is quite an experiment each location is undertaking and part of travel to reflect on the choices, impact and next steps after experiencing different options. 

How do you balance comfort, budget and efficiency in your own life?