REYKJAVIK, Iceland (CNN) — Iceland maybe best known for world-famous musical export Bjork but there’s a new star quickly gaining this island nation world-wide acclaim — clean energy.


For more than 50 years Iceland has been decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels by tapping the natural power all around this rainy, windswept rock of fire.

Waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs provide Icelanders with abundant electricity and hot water.

Virtually all of the country’s electricity and heating comes from domestic renewable energy sources — hydroelectric power and geothermal springs.

It’s pollution free and cheap.

Yet these energy pioneers are still dependent on imported oil to operate their vehicles and thriving fishing industry.

Iceland’s geographic isolation in the North Atlantic makes it expensive to ship in gasoline — it costs almost $8 a gallon (around $2 a liter).