Nuclear power in Rogaland

– There will be a great need for energy in the coming years. The need is so great that we have to look at all possible energy sources. However, our latest analysis shows that nuclear power is not the answer to many companies’ energy needs in the short term, i.e. in the next two decades, says Tony Grindelland, Regional Director of NHO Rogaland.

This is because nuclear energy takes a long time to obtain and is expensive, whether applied in Stavanger or elsewhere in the country, says Grindeland to Avis from Rogaland.

She believes that in the short term we should focus on the plans we already have, which are related to developing more renewable energy And Energy efficiency.

– We still do not rule out that nuclear energy will become relevant in the long term. Interest is high, so time will tell whether the technology will become competitive. “We are optimistic about the technology, and support the Energy Commission’s recommendation to continue monitoring the development of nuclear energy, as well as how European and American projects are progressing,” Grindland continues.

– It is also important to remember that in Norway we have hydropower as a constant source of energy. No other country has that. Therefore, it is natural to invest in nuclear energy there, she adds.

Read also: You will be self-sufficient in electricity: – I don’t think the sun and wind are enough

– Nuclear energy is the “backbone” we need

Marit Hoë is the deputy Rogaland District Councilor Hoër. She notes that Rogaland Høyre has stated in its program that it should be positive about establishing small, modular nuclear power plants in the province if someone wants to build one here.

– This could easily happen in relation to energy-intensive industries, such as battery factories and data centres, but also in relation to future large charging facilities for public transport. This would certainly be appropriate. “We save space, have almost zero emissions and low transmission loss,” Høie tells RA.

– If private capital is willing to invest in such projects, we should certainly facilitate this, she says.

More than 40 municipalities in Norway have joined together to form the interest association Norske kærnkraftkommuner, and some have signed agreements of intent with Norsk kærnkraft.

– So, nuclear energy is coming. Plans are being made for a future energy system with a high proportion of renewable energy sources. Next, we need a baseload in the form of stable, weather-independent power in these systems, says Howie.

Hydroelectric energy alone is not enough. Nuclear energy is the “backbone” we need to ensure stability of systems. From my perspective, it’s just a matter of getting started. She believes that nuclear power is space-efficient, stable and emissions-free, and should be part of the energy mix of the future anyway.

Conservative politician Marit Hoy is deputy group leader in Gjesdal municipality and deputy Rogaland district councilor. (Rogaland right)

Read also: The state budget turned investments upside down one morning

– Modern hydropower solves some of the same problems

Atle Simonsen, director of energy communications at Lyse, says they have no principled opposition to nuclear power, as long as it is safe and cost-effective enough.

– However, at present, it seems that it is too expensive and too far into the future. There is no quick fix, so when it comes to producing energy to meet climate targets in 2030, nuclear is irrelevant, Simonsen tells RA.

– Nuclear energy is also not a technology that we have experience with today at Lyse. “We want to grow what we excel at, which means further developing the potential in hydropower,” says Simonsen.

Now Røldal-Suldal’s promotion plans are at the top of Lyse’s list, and they must submit a license to the authorities before Christmas. This will be the largest hydropower upgrade Lyse has ever undertaken, and can be implemented without major environmental interventions.

– Modern hydroelectric power solves some of the same problems that nuclear power solves: it is adjustable and stable power. Therefore, nuclear energy is not a suitable solution for Norway today, unlike other countries, Simonsen concludes.