Wind energy, discussion | We do not have enough strength to accept new companies

Recently, politicians in Søndre Land in Innlandet made a decision in principle against wind energy in the municipality. They did this without investigating the matter, and therefore without knowing what opportunities a wind power plant could bring to the municipality, or what challenges such an energy project brings with it. It's amazing.

We understand that there are different opinions about wind energy. Therefore, it is very important to use facts as a basis for policy decisions that can have serious consequences for citizens, businesses and the climate. This is a comprehensive matter that requires extensive investigations and a more comprehensive basis than the politicians’ personal experience of the project.

It is unfortunate that municipal councils take a position on this matter without any form of investigation or basis. In Sunderland, the councilor warned that this way of dealing with such a situation violates municipal law. The law requires that matters dealt with in a municipal council be investigated and reported appropriately.

Politicians had to follow the adviser's advice and agree to learn more, before they could recover the issue by investigating the consequences – and then say yes or no to wind power. Now neither the politicians nor the residents of Sunderland know what the municipal council rejected and what consequences this will have in the coming years.

A survey by LO, NHO and Innlandet District Council shows that we are already heading towards an energy deficit within three years. We need to quadruple current capacity to meet the need.

Today, we simply do not have the strength to take on new businesses in remote areas. We also strive to provide growth space for our existing industrial business. It is dangerous for an area that wants to grow and become more attractive to industry and residents. Although Sønderland Municipality does not currently have a power deficit, the municipality's plans for new industry will necessitate the need for new power generation.

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The solar plans in Sønderland and other municipalities are a good step in the right direction, but they are not enough. For all municipalities in the Gjovik region and elsewhere in the country, it is important to take advantage of new energy production opportunities and expand grid capacity.

The solution to the coming energy deficit may lie in saying yes to wind power. The project could provide our region with much-needed renewable energy, and give us room to grow. A surplus of renewable energy would make us more attractive to new industries, which in turn would create new jobs, increased export earnings and a region with immigration, growth and opportunity.

Energy deficits do not resolve themselves. It will take political will to ensure sufficient renewable energy, thus contributing to enabling companies to adapt in a renewable direction.

The Energy Commission believes we must increase renewable energy production from hydropower, wind, offshore wind and solar by up to 40 TWh by 2030, while at the same time implementing energy efficiency measures that cut at least 20 TWh from current consumption. For electricity. . In order to achieve the ambitious goals within a short deadline, we need significant political action, also by local politicians.

The government and Parliament have given municipalities almost all powers regarding wind energy development. With this power also comes great responsibility. We expect politicians to make good plans for how to ensure enough renewable energy and to live up to the responsibility they have been given by investigating the consequences and putting facts on the table before making decisions that will impact both the local community and businesses.