Can’t say no to everything – E24

Storting representative Sofie Marhaug responded to my post on 23 August about the industry’s need for more power at competitive prices. This is a nice and enlightening post.

Marhaug acknowledges that industry needs more power, and the tight power market we are now entering poses a serious challenge for hydro and industry in Norway. At the same time, Marhaug makes it clear that he and Rott are against the development of wind power in all cases. This is an honest position, but it is, in my view, difficult to reconcile with the desire to maintain and develop Norwegian industry.

All new power development affects nature and creates dilemmas. Therefore, we must proceed step-by-step, conduct thorough and professional impact assessments, and engage in close dialogue with local communities and stakeholders affected by power development. If we are serious about the environment, we cannot say yes to all power development projects. But you can’t say no to everything.

Marhaug’s kraft-no is honest, but Rødt’s energy policy spokesperson would do well if he were also clear about the consequences of his position. In an Aug. 23 memo, Marhac says the Energy Commission has identified solutions that would make more wind and hydropower development unnecessary. As far as the report is concerned this is completely wrong. The Energy Commission has made it clear that Norway will need to develop more wind and hydropower in the coming years, while improving energy efficiency and making provisions for offshore wind in the long term. .

Here we are at the core: in every power debate, there is someone who raises theoretical possibilities that render all the hard choices unnecessary. For some it’s nuclear power. Others have mentioned wave energy, geothermal energy or the unexplained potential for energy efficiency in buildings. In theory, all crises can be solved for free.

But not our profession theory. Aluminum works in western Norway and industrial communities across the country live on, leading cornerstone companies that provide the low-carbon metals and minerals the world needs to succeed in the green transition.

As head of Hydro’s aluminum operations, what I need are not theoretical possibilities or alternatives that are too expensive to break the industry’s ability to pay. Industry needs specific power contracts, at prices industry can pay, and industry needs them now. In 2030, Hydro’s long-term power contracts for more than 5 TWh expire. Wind power suspended Storting adopted in 2019 and uncertainty about the conditions of the structure in recent years has already postponed work on new power generation in Norway. Now we can’t wait any longer.

Hydro needs to flip all the stones to bring more power. We will upgrade our hydroelectric plants, make our aluminum more energy efficient, and contribute to the creation of offshore wind that can provide significantly more renewable energy in the long term. But Norway and industry need electricity until 2030 and beyond. That’s why there are no shortcuts. If we want to have a career, we have to have the power to grow and take the tough debates and choices that come with it.