Climate and industrial targets define energy need

Norway needs a lot of new renewable energy. Our ambitions for climate metrics and new industry quantify.

debate
This is the topic of discussion. Opinions expressed in the text are at the author’s expense.

Those shouting the energy crisis must credibly show that the Norwegian Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE) is wrong, writes Hogni Hungst, consultant at Motvind Norway in Aftenposten. Send the challenge to us at Energi Norge and Norwea.

We have not advocated an energy crisis. Nor have we said that the Norwegian Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE) is wrong. We’ve made it clear that Norway needs more clean energy in the future.

The reason for this is that about half of the energy used in Norway today is fossil. It must be replaced for the sake of the climate.

In addition, revenues and jobs will be replaced in oil. Then we need renewable energy for new industries, such as battery factories, hydrogen and ammonia production.

Ordinary consumers and existing industry are also benefiting from the fact that we are increasing energy production. The alternative is higher prices than has been the case so far.

The need is growing

I Long-term analysis of the energy market. NVE confirms that the demand for energy is increasing. There, they estimate that energy consumption will rise from 138 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2021 to between 174 and 200 TWh in 2040.

Electrification, the most important climatic measure, explains much of the growing need. In addition, the scale of consumption growth depends on the amount of new industry being created in Norway.

It all comes from the NVE report. Updated Statnett Analysis It also shows a great need for strength. An estimated 170 TWh will be needed already in 2030, due in part to new industrial projects.

Yes to good projects

Some energy needs can be met through energy efficiency, but far from everything. Strength must come from one place, at the same time we take care of natural diversity.

So it’s foolish to say no at all to individual technologies, Hongset suggests. Each individual development project must be evaluated independently.

The strategy should be to say yes to projects that are good and environmentally sound – no matter what renewable technology we are talking about.

In the next few years, it will be much more realistic with the new contributions of water and wind on Earth. In the long run, offshore winds will also be a great opportunity for Norway.

This applies both as an important source of energy to the mainland and emissions reductions on the shelves. Not least, there is a great opportunity to develop a new and large supplying industry.

higher ambitions

There is broad agreement in professional circles that Norway needs a lot of new renewable energy. To what extent are our ambitions defined for new climate and industry metrics?

Hongst suggests reducing adopted climate measures and minimizing industrial ambitions. We have higher ambitions in these areas.

The strategy should focus on energy efficiency and increased production of renewable energy.