In a significant legislative decision, the Norwegian parliament has voted to allow hydropower development in protected rivers. The new bill permits power plants larger than 1MW in these waterways if the proposed projects can demonstrate a “significant” societal benefit and “acceptable” environmental consequences. This move comes as part of broader measures aimed at improving flood and landslide protection across the country.
Environmental Backlash
The proposal has sparked intense opposition from environmental groups and green politicians. Une Bastholm, a Green member of parliament, condemned the plan as “a historic attack on Norwegian nature,” warning that it risks initiating an endless series of disputes over river development. Truls Gulowsen, head of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature, vowed to fight for every protected watercourse, emphasizing that decades of hard-won conservation could be undone by this “ill-considered and irresponsible” decision.
Public Protest and Wider Implications
Campaigners have mobilized against the legislation, gathering a petition with 25,000 signatures and staging protests outside the Norwegian parliament. Critics argue that the decision was rushed through without sufficient public consultation or rigorous environmental impact assessments. They fear that opening protected rivers to hydropower could endanger wild salmon and other vulnerable species that thrive in these ecosystems.
Balancing Renewable Energy Needs and Conservation
Supporters of the bill contend that the new provisions are necessary for projects with demonstrable benefits, such as significant flood reduction. For instance, Fornybar Norge, a renewable energy lobby group, backed the proposal, noting that it could facilitate the development of projects that offer vital protection against floods while still subjecting developers to strict assessment criteria. However, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has expressed skepticism, stating that there is little additional power to be harnessed from protected waterways without encroaching on some of the nation’s most pristine natural assets.
A Tense Moment for Norwegian Energy Policy
This decision marks a critical juncture in Norway’s renewable energy policy. While the country is renowned for its extensive and clean hydropower infrastructure, debates have recently intensified over renewable energy expansion, particularly concerning wind power. Now, with few unspoiled sites left for new hydropower installations, environmental and energy policy stakeholders face a challenging balancing act between ensuring safety, boosting renewable energy capacity, and protecting Norway’s irreplaceable natural heritage.
