In the new year, NHO and LO delivered their recommendations on measures and new policies to speed up work on closing the future power gap: The dismal difference between future power demand and future power production in Nordland and Northern Norway.
– We feel that power access is high on the companies’ agenda, and that for some it is already important for growth opportunities and employment. This is about the opportunities for new industry, job and value creation – and a continued competitive North Norwegian business community. Access to enough reasonable power is a challenge that NHO, LO and the government have a joint ambition to help solve, says senior adviser Lars Fredrik Martinussen at NHO Nordland.
The power lift provided a knowledge base about the power gap in Northern Norway and it gave politicians, the working and business world an awakening to how extensive the challenge is. The work will now be continued in Kraftløftet 2.0.
– We are pleased that Energy Minister Terje Aasland is getting involved in the Power Lift and how we will contribute to putting the power issue even more clearly on the agenda. Kraftløftet 2.0 will mobilize working and business life in the public debate about the need for more power, grids and energy. At the same time, we must help ensure that all political levels in the region decide on how to contribute. Powerlifting 2.0 should ideally result in concrete plans that can reduce the power gap, continues Martinussen.
At the meeting in Bodø, the activity plans for Powerlifting 2.0 were discussed. There was also the need for concrete measures from the government, policy apparatus and administration in order for people in Nordland to move forward.
– We expect that Northern Norway will not fall further behind in the development of a new offshore wind industry, both out of consideration for Northern Norwegian suppliers – and because offshore wind will make a positive contribution to the power system. The licensing processes at NVE are running too late, and a faster development of the power grid is necessary. We must also ensure that consideration of the climate and the role of the power system is weighed against other considerations when state authorities, such as the State Administrator, are to facilitate the implementation of national policy.
– The region has the opportunities and the will for growth and development. Now it depends on the political will to realize these ambitions. With Kraftløftet 2.0, we have a clear common goal to contribute, concludes Martinussen
