Iceland Forgoes Fossil Fuels.Iceland has launched a groundbreaking plan to convert the country to nitrogen-based renewable fuels Renewable fuels are alternative fuel sources such as ethanol, biodiesel (e.g. soy, vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases) or hydrogen, in contrast to non-renewable fuels such as natural gas, LPG (propane). . A leader in alternative energy with 90% of its buildings heated geothermally ge·o·ther·mal also ge·o·ther·mic adj. Of or relating to the internal heat of the earth. ge , Iceland hopes to end its dependence on fossil fuels fossil fuel: see energy, sources of; fuel. fossil fuel Any of a class of materials of biologic origin occurring within the Earth's crust that can be used as a source of energy. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. by 2030. Iceland now depends on imported oil for 38% of its energy needs. The government has set up a company to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology and outlined a long-term process to convert its transportation sector to hydrogen-based fuels. Three hydrogen-powered buses should serve Reykjavik by 2002. Some $50 million will be spent to convert the rest of the country's bus fleet by a later date, followed by conversion of all private vehicles. Also in development is a prototype methanol-powered fishing boat to replace the country's sizable siz·a·ble also size·a·ble adj. Of considerable size; fairly large. siz  a·ble·ness n. fishing fleet.
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