The billions spent on electricity support should have been used differently, two experts believe.
– Power support is like taking pain relievers. It hurts less now, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
That’s what Olvar Bergland, a current researcher at Norway’s University of Environment and Life Sciences, tells VG.
He is supported by research colleague Magnus Korpås at NTNU.
Both researchers point out that Norway will need more electricity in the coming years because we will get more electric vehicles and the battery factories will need a lot of electricity.
– If we don’t come up with some major power improvements, we will often face critical situations. We still need more electricity, but there are no plans for electricity development, says NTNU Professor Korpås.
He points out that offshore wind power seems politically dead, and that offshore wind power is far from over.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was earlier He pointed out that the electricity crisis may continue.
– Solar panels on all roofs in southern Norway
Both Korpass and Bergland say that more investment in solar cells is needed to ensure that Norway has a better supply of electricity in the future.
– What is stopping us now from expanding solar panels to all roofs in southern Norway? Korbas asks rhetorically.
– Now we provide billions of electricity support. What if parts of it were used instead of improving the situation in the long run? For example, money from electricity subsidies could support people who put solar panels on their roofs, Bergland says.
– But isn’t Norway a very sunny country?
– The most important thing that solar energy does is that it provides us with electricity in the summer. This means the reservoirs don’t have to be drained, so more hydropower is available in the winter, Korbas explains.
He adds that the solar panels are already providing electricity from late February/early March, thus contributing to the colder months.
– Support for those who switch to a heat pump at home
Korbas says all stones must be turned now to ensure Norway has enough electricity in the future.
Two researchers believe everyone is using less electricity, something the government needs to act on.
Bergland says that to date there has not been enough to facilitate this.
– Electricity subsidy may have gone in favor of people switching to heat pump at home. Going from the panel oven to the heat pump saves more electricity, says Bergland.
– Something the government wants to focus on
Secretary of State for the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Elizabeth Sether (AP) tells VG:
– It is clear that energy efficiency can help reduce the need for new power generation and reduce people’s electricity bills. Efficient use of energy helps facilitate climate cuts in energy transition and other sectors. So this is definitely the focus of the government.
Prime Minister Jonas Karstor announced on Wednesday Development of electricity support scheme is in progress.
– Efficient use of energy is key to short-term and long-term electricity price crisis. In addition, we have sent out plans to expand the Plus customer scheme for housing associations and commercial buildings for consultation before the summer. The program will make selling solar power from your own panel more profitable, making solar cells attractive to more people, Sether says.
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