- This is renewable energy that fits like a glove with the green industrial initiatives taking place in Helgeland, and can be easily adapted to the fisheries, says the County Council Leader Tomas Norvoll.
Industry actors from all over the world have for the last decade opened their eyes to the great potensial of natural resources that lie in Helgeland and in northern Norway. One of these natural resources is large amounts of renewable energy. Most of the hydropower potential has been utilised, but the energy from wind is rather unused. Wind power can create new establishments and strengthen existing jobs and settlements. It is therefore an offensive county council leader who demands action.
- The offshore wind investment is now gaining momentum. The government has announced to increase Norwegian power production by 50 per cent by 2040. Everything is in place for a larger development of wind power at Helgeland sea shelf. We have experienced in southern Norway what happens if there is insufficient power production, argues Norvoll in a press release today, referring to the historically high electricity prices in the southern parts of the country.
County councilor for industry in Nordland, Linda Helén Haukland, points out that offshore wind off Helgeland can provide synergies for other industries both at sea and on land.
- The Directorate of Fisheries now recommends the well-known fishing bank, Trænabanken as one of three areas to be assessed for impact on aquaculture out at sea. This area is close to planned areas for wind power. Offshore wind production can contribute to the electrification of both aquaculture and the oil and gas industries, argues Haukland.
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has been commissioned to assess whether some of the areas that were assessed for impact already ten years ago should be assessed again. Thomas Norvoll is clear that the time has come to invest in the north, as the historically green industrial investment means that in few years there will be a significant power deficit in the north.
- The area was already assessed for impact in 2012, and we have gained further knowledge as late as 2020. Opening this field must be a priority, adds the county council leader in Nordland, Tomas Norvoll.