The case in summary Nye Veier is planning a trial project with solar cells along the new four-lane motorway in Lyngdal in Agder. The company is now waiting for the necessary permits and license to expand for solar power. Calculations show that Nye Veier can save approximately NOK 60 million annually from 2045 if all road projects receive self-produced electricity. The government is positive about the measure, and is considering ongoing measures to streamline the licensing process for energy plants. General manager of the solar energy cluster, Trine Kopstad Berentsen, wants a faster processing time for such projects. Energy Minister Terje Aasland has submitted a proposal for changes to both the Energy Act and the Energy Act Regulations for consultation, in order to facilitate a more efficient licensing process and faster development of local energy production. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – Energy production can become part of the future path, says Magne Bye. He is head of department in Nye Veier. Along the new E39 in Lyngdal in Agder, they want to start a trial project with a solar cell system. Magne Bye hopes that the side of the E39 in Lyngdal that is being built can be used to produce energy. Photo: Lars Eie – Here in Herdal we have large side areas to the road. We can use these areas to produce electricity, says Bye, looking out over the road that will be opened next year. Awaiting permission Along the slopes on the south side of the four-lane motorway, the company wants to build solar panels. Today, such areas are often not used for anything special. Nye Veier will do something about that. – If we take the largest slope here, it corresponds to the energy consumption of approximately 100 detached houses, says Magne Bye to news. Now they are waiting for the necessary permits and license to expand for solar power. Energy Minister Terje Aasland says that the government is positive about the Nye Veier initiative. – If we are to be able to achieve the targets we have set for greenhouse gas emissions and better land use, it is necessary to think again, he says. Can save millions Bye says that electricity may become a scarce commodity in the long term. Electricity can also become more expensive. – We are now investigating solutions. We use a lot of electricity on the roads for lighting, fans in the tunnel and other technical equipment, he says. The development of the new road in Lyngdal is underway and Magne Bye believes the area on the site has great potential. Photo: Lars Eie Today, Nye Veier pays approximately NOK 10 million in electricity bills on several road sections. – In 2040, our electricity bill will be approximately six times what it is today, says Magne Bye. The company has made calculations which show that they can save approximately NOK 60 million annually from 2045 if all road projects receive self-produced electricity. – What are the advantages of being self-sufficient in energy? – It gives us a greater preparedness capability locally. We also avoid burdening the electricity grid, so that others can use the electricity. In the long term, we will be able to reduce our electricity costs, so that we can spend more money on building good and safe roads. Want faster treatment Trine Kopstad Berentsen is general manager of the solar energy cluster. She thinks it is positive that the areas beyond the road can be used to produce electricity. Nye Veier wants to start a trial project on the new four-lane road in Lyngdal. Photo: Lars Eie – It’s a great initiative. It is an example of a lot of exciting things happening in transport, she says. She wishes there was a faster processing time for such projects. – We believe that it is very important that there is a “fast track” for such projects. We must commend the actors for getting it started. We lack a political marching order into NTP so that we get clarity and political management for how we will use built-up area – also for electricity production. Energy Minister Terje Aasland says that the government is considering ongoing measures to streamline the licensing process for energy plants. – On 26 June, the Ministry of Energy submitted a proposal to amend both the Energy Act and the Energy Act Regulations for public consultation. Among other things, it will facilitate a more efficient licensing process and faster development of local energy production, he says. Published 19.07.2024, at 05.30
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