– This area is the heart of Fjell-Norway. It is clear that we are not going to destroy this area. That’s what Ola Iver Røe, manager of Vågå SV, says. He is one of those who react strongly to Fred Olsen Renewables’ plans on this mountain plateau. Here, surrounded by the national parks Jotunheimen, Breheimen, Reinheimen, Dovrefjell and Rondane, they will build a wind and solar power park. The developer wants 20 square kilometers in this mountain area. In total, there could be 47 wind turbines and a larger plant with solar cells here, spread over an area of over 20 km². – There is hardly a ski track to be seen here. It is an unaffected, fantastic local area. It will completely destroy the area, says Røe. Great opportunities Gaute Tjensvoll is a business developer at Fred Olsen Renewables who is behind the plans. He understands and shares the concern for the loss of nature. Nevertheless, the company believes that such an energy park with both wind and solar power provides high value creation per area, and therefore has sustainable use of natural resources. Gaute Tjensvoll, business developer at Fred Olsen Renewables, says they have met healthy skepticism among politicians and landowners they have spoken to about the plans in Nord-Gudbrandsdal. Photo: Alexander / Nordby – Wind and solar power provide much higher value creation per area than forestry, so it is natural to have a conversion that prioritizes the protection and restoration of scarce forest nature. – At the same time, one per cent of our mountain nature can contribute to us reaching goals in terms of climate and sustainable rural development, says Tjensvoll. He believes that renewable energy offers great opportunities for district municipalities with demanding finances, such as Vågå, for example. – The project involves approximately 20 square kilometers and is expected to give Vågå municipality an annual income of NOK 50-60 million, says Tjensvoll. The black square in the middle between the national parks is the area Fred Olsen Renewables will work on. Strong opinions Vågå municipality has been aware of the plans since September last year. Municipal director Odd-Erik Sveen says they have received mixed feedback on the plans. – If it is realised, then one must understand that there are strong opinions on both sides, says the municipal director. Odd-Erik Sveen is municipal director in Vågå municipality. He is prepared for a lot of involvement when the matter is to be dealt with in the municipality. Photo: Even Lusæter / news If the political level in Vågå agrees to go ahead with the plans, it is important to get viewpoints from both sides, he believes. One of those who warmly welcomes an explanation is Anders Gustav Bjørnsen. Do you think we should have more wind power plants? Yes, absolutely💯 A bit unsure..🤔 No, now that’s enough!🚫 Show result Want clarification Bjørnsen is one of the private landowners in the area. – As long as there is a future power deficit, and as long as there is a greater income for the municipality and for the co-owners, I cannot say that we should under no circumstances do this, says Bjørnsen. Anders Gustav Bjørnsen is one of several landowners in the area where Fred Olsen Renewables will explore the possibilities for a wind and solar power park. Bjørnsen is so far positive about the case. Photo: Even Lusæter / news – I have no idea that it will be stopped now as soon as possible. It can be stopped when an investigation shows that there is nothing special about it, says the landowner. The SV leader in Vågå does not agree. – We are early in the game, but we think we know enough. This will destroy so much in an area that is untouched and has wonderful natural values. Ola Iver Røe believes that a wind and solar power park in this mountain area near the center of Vågåmo will be devastating both for outdoor life and nature. Photo: Even Lusæter / news His party is coming to write an interpellation to the municipal council. – There we ask that it be finished before it is started. We don’t need to think about this once, says Røe.
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Fred Olsen Renewables wants to build a wind farm in Nord-Gudbrandsdalen – meets resistance – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
