In summary: For the first time, here is a complete list of all 60 Norwegian municipalities and county municipalities that have applied for membership in Norwegian nuclear municipalities. The list shows that the municipalities are spread over the whole country. At the same time, a new report from the NVA throws cold water into the blood of the most enthusiastic voices. The report shows that (traditional) nuclear power plants will be four times as expensive as onshore wind power. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. On a Monday in January, the community center in Høyanger is packed. Directors from Hydro and Eviny have been invited to present new wind power plans for the municipality, but before the session is over the meeting participants are to “mutiny”. When they get up – after four hours – the visitors to the city have instead decided that the tiny municipality should explore an alternative energy track: nuclear power. In March, the municipal council got serious about the “Marsjordren” and enrolled Høyanger in the Norwegian nuclear municipalities. The association has been restrictive in sharing exactly who is in the club, but a survey shows that there are now 60 municipalities that would like to host small, modular reactors (SMR). It is almost a doubling since May, when there were 34 members. These are included in Norwegian nuclear power municipalities (NKK) Aure Heim Porsgrunn Halden Vardø Narvik Hornes and Evje Gildeskål Hammerfest Høyanger Skien Rollag Vanylven Fauske Farsund Alta Telemark Frøya Vennesla Ørland Østfold Øyer Vinje Nordreisa Hama Sveio Sarpsborg Ullensvang Våler Hustadvika Nore and Uvdal Grimstad Gjerstad Øygarden Nannestad Ulstein Nordland Larvik Bodø Møre and Romsdal Karmøy Nærøysund Kvinesdal Gjerdrum Flekkefjord Frogn Modum Lund Sortland Drangedal Kristiansund Indre Østfold Fredrikstad Balsfjord Birkenes Eidsfjord Ås Nes Rogaland Alver The dream is in all cases the same: To replace exhausting conservation and wind power debates with a new and conflict-free energy source. Or with a picture: That ten birds on the roof can be better than one in the hand. Høyanger became part of the “nuclear power family” in May. The municipal council decision was unanimous. The neighboring municipalities of Alver and Øygarden are also part of the association. In addition, the Vestland municipality of Austrheim has signaled that they will be involved. In total, there are 60 municipalities and county municipalities that will host nuclear power – all over the country. This is almost a doubling since May, when there were 34 members in Norwegian nuclear municipalities. This year, representatives from a number of municipalities have traveled to the Alps to see how the Swiss have solved their energy supply with nuclear power in particular. Graphics: Anders Nøking – Pushing the concept quite tough around the municipalities In parallel with several municipalities dreaming of conflict-free power, the objections have also been more clearly formulated. NHO, Norsk Industri og Fornybar Noreg and the rest of the “power establishment” have argued that the municipalities are being lured down an expensive road that only leads to disappointment – and no power production. – Norwegian nuclear power is pushing the concept of nuclear power quite hard, says director at the Institute for Energy Engineering (IFE), Martin Smedstad Foss, to the energy newspaper Europower. In the autumn, the skeptics got new ammunition when NVE reported that nuclear power plants will be four times as expensive as onshore wind power. The calculation has in turn been criticized – and defended. Norsk Kjernekraft, for its part, has argued that their alternative is “50 times more cost-effective than offshore wind”. The NVE report came on top of similar findings in a controversial Rystad report which even resulted in the NTNU rector having to resign. In addition, there are heads that have almost rolled. When an employee of Fornybar Noreg aired a point of view on nuclear power that was not in line with “official teaching”, even with reprimands and washing up. An example of how sensitive the energy issue can be. – The key is to find the balance In April, KrF presented a proposal to the Storting to set up a committee that could prevent nuclear power on Norwegian soil. Two months later, the party’s plea was heard when the Ministry of Energy commissioned Cicero director Kristin Halvorsen to hire the nuclear power committee. The news was received as a symbolic change of course from a government that has previously kept several nuclear power initiatives at arm’s length. The municipalities will therefore invest in small, modular reactors (SMR) 1. Climate challenges Norway is looking for solutions to reduce carbon emissions and meet its climate targets. Nuclear power is an almost emission-free energy source that can contribute to achieving these goals. 2. Energy security With the increased focus on energy security, especially in light of global geopolitical tensions, many see nuclear power as a way to diversify the energy mix and become less dependent on imported energy. 3. Technological development SMR technology represents a new development in nuclear power that makes it possible to build smaller, safer and potentially more affordable reactors than traditional nuclear power plants. This makes the technology more attractive for smaller countries and regions. 4. Stable energy source Nuclear power provides an even and stable energy production that can complement and balance variable renewable energy sources such as wind and sun, which is particularly important to ensure a stable energy supply. 5. Economic opportunities Construction and operation of SMR can create jobs and economic activity both locally and nationally. Some municipalities see this as an opportunity for economic growth and development. In May, for the first time, more Norwegians said they would invest in nuclear power (29 per cent) than hydropower (25 per cent). This is revealed in the new social survey by Ipsos’ Norsk Monitor. By comparison, only 2 percent were positive about nuclear power in 2017. Irrelevant figures that do not take into account that small modular nuclear power plants will be much more affordable than conventional nuclear power plants, acknowledged Norsk Kjernekraft. Other “newly saved” nuclear power supporters are Dag O. Hessen, who in a new podcast reveals that he has changed his view. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. This summer, 70 nuclear power experts from all over the world gathered for a safety conference in Loen in Nordfjord. Representative for Norway and IFE director Nils Morten Huseby said that the Norwegian nuclear debate is framed by two trenches: Those who say that nuclear power is the solution, and that we therefore do not need to do anything else. Those who say nuclear power is not the solution, and that we therefore do not need to use more energy on that alternative. – The key is to find the balance between these two ditches. The alternative is that we end up in a power crisis, sooner or later. Director at the institute, Nils Morten Huseby welcomes the Norwegian nuclear debate, but lacks more focus on facts and safety. Published 20.11.2024, at 05.27
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60 municipalities will host small, modular reactors – news Vestland
