Summary – Energy Strategy for the Kongsvinger Region

The Kongsvinger region's energy strategy will help us understand the need for energy and develop a region that is good to live in. The energy strategy assumes that the prerequisite for a vibrant region is access to jobs and attractive living environments. The strategy will ensure that industry has good access to renewable energy, with as little interference with nature as possible. Good access to power for industry will mean that we both retain and increase the number of jobs, and that we expand where we need to, given that valuable nature is preserved to the greatest extent possible.

Here you will find a two-page summary of the Energy Strategy for the Kongsvinger region, download by clicking on the document.

If you want to read the entire strategy, you can do so here. HERE!

Provide input to the Regional Energy Strategy for the Kongsvinger region!

The Kongsvinger Region Intermunicipal Political Council (KIPR), in case 01/2025, adopted the following on March 27, 2025: "Proposal for Regional Energy Strategy for the Kongsvinger Region sent for consultation in the region with a consultation deadline of May 12, 2025.

In 2023, the region's energy challenges were raised, and KIPR decided to work together to find good, knowledge-based solutions to the energy situation. The goal of the work is a common energy strategy for the six municipalities in the Kongsvinger region, which will help us understand the need for energy and develop a region that is good to live in.

The energy strategy assumes that the prerequisite for a vibrant region is access to jobs and attractive living environments, cf. Regional Business Strategy for the Kongsvinger region. The strategy is to ensure that industry has good access to renewable energy, with as little interference with nature as possible. Good access to power for industry will lead to us both retaining and increasing the number of jobs, and to us expanding where we need to, given that valuable nature is preserved to the greatest extent possible.

The energy strategy has been developed jointly through working meetings, joint meetings of the regional councils, public meetings and consultation processes. The energy strategy is based on extensive knowledge and joint strategies developed regionally, both administratively and politically, over the years.

You are invited to provide input.

KIPR wants as many inputs as possible on the proposal for a new Regional Energy Strategy for the Kongsvinger Regionand The consultation inputs are sent to kongsvingerregionen@innlandetfylke.no. REMEMBER THE DEADLINE 12.5.25! Any questions regarding the consultation draft can be directed to General Manager Anne H. Huse, email: anhnhue@innlandetfylke.no.

Read proposals for Regional Energy strategy for the Kongsvinger region here.

 

Are you interested in what has happened in the process leading up to the energy strategy? If so, you can read more HERE.

 

Image: The board of the Kongsvinger Region Intermunicipal Political Council (KIPR), from left: Elin Såheim Bjørkli (mayor of Kongsvinger), Knut Hvithammer (mayor of Sør-Odal), Kjetil Sløtte (mayor of Nord-Odal), Einar Ottesen Toverud (mayor of Åsnes), Rune Grenberg (mayor of Grue and leader of KIPR), Kamilla Thue (mayor of Eidskog and deputy leader of KIPR).

Relevant education and unique study location – in the middle of a Science Park

Relevant education and unique study location – in the middle of a Science Park

Those who take education courses in Kongsvinger are extremely attractive on the job market!

If you study in Kongsvinger, you will almost certainly have your dream job when you submit your bachelor's or master's thesis. You will be very attractive on the job market whether you choose nursing, social care, sustainability or digitalization.

– Our education is based on documented needs in the business community, and preferably that there are no existing education programs that meet the need. The subject content is developed in collaboration with the business community and means that we educate candidates that the working world would like to have, says Vegard Herlyng, general manager at the University College Centre in Kongsvinger (HIK).

Several of the courses offered in Kongsvinger can be studied alongside work. For example, Master in Digital Management and Business Development both full-time and part-time. Bachelor's degree in nursing lasts four years, and is therefore also possible to combine with work. The same applies to most vocational school courses (health and technical subjects).

 

Satisfied nursing students, an exciting master's in digital management and a new research center in digitalization and sustainability - that's where you want to be these days!

Important initiatives for business

– When we took the sustainability course at HIK, it gave us a lot of inspiration to look at our value chain and what we can do in our value chain to become more sustainable. Without the educational offerings at the University College Center, we would not have come as far in sustainability work as we have today. HIK is a crucial partner in promoting research-based knowledge to companies in the region, says Stine Lilleseth.

Lilleseth Chain is one of many companies that have taken a sustainability course at the University College Center, and gives much of the credit for their newly started chain recycling project precisely to the knowledge they have acquired at HIK.

Happy students and unique surroundings

In addition to being close to the business community, one of the success factors for the offerings in Kongsvinger is also the satisfaction of the students. Karina Jørgensen (24) from Bergen was among the most satisfied in 2020 nursing students in the country. She tells the local newspaper Glåmdalen:

– The proximity between students and teachers and a clear environment are important success factors. We have quite small classes, and there is generally less distance between students and teachers than at larger campuses. Here you don't get lost in the crowd. If we send a message to the tutor, there is usually a quick response no matter what time of day it is.

She also highlights the good opportunities for internships locally, whether at the hospital, institutions or in home care. This year (2025), Kongsvinger students were also satisfied – with 4th place out of 30 study locations.

– I'm not surprised. It's a nice school to go to, says nursing student Mathilde Malmerengen to Glåmdalen in 2025.

Students in Kongsvinger are part of Inland Science Park and thus shares premises with several development actors, exciting businesses and, not least, research centers for digitalization and sustainability (CREDS).

 

Future-oriented, unique and relevant education – and 100 million for research positions.

Research center established

University of Inland Norway (INN) has now established a research center within sustainability and digitalization in Kongsvinger.

"We have raised 100 million in start-up capital for the center. The funds will go towards research positions. We are very much looking forward to developing this further together with the University of Innlandet and other stakeholders," says Herlyng.

The research at the center will be conducted in close collaboration with the business community and students. Several projects and collaborations with both local and national actors are underway.

– INN has the ambition to be a strong development actor that contributes to green transition. This center will be central to this initiative. The establishment is an example of how we want to work. We will be a regional force that collaborates closely with our surroundings and contributes to development in the region, states Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud.

For a complete overview of university and vocational school educations in Kongsvinger – see www.hik.no.

Entrepreneur Week 2025 in the Kongsvinger region, February 17-20

Entrepreneur Week 2025 will take place February 17-20 in the Kongsvinger region. The events are open to everyone, both established businesses, entrepreneurs and those who might be thinking of starting something of their own.

You can see the program for the whole week below, welcome!

The program can also be downloaded HERE.

Establishing course

Are you thinking about starting your own business, but wondering where to start? Then you have the opportunity to sign up for our business start-up courses. Read more about our courses HERE.

Energy Strategy – Joint Presidency Meeting January 30

The council representatives from the 6 municipalities in the Kongsvinger region gathered at Innlandet Science Park on January 30th for their third joint meeting to gain more knowledge about, and gain a basis for, the preparation of a joint power strategy for the region.

The backdrop is growing concern about the future access to electricity in the Kongsvinger region.

The most obvious power challenges for the Kongsvinger region can be simplified into two points:

  • Too little access to/production of renewable energy.
  • Insufficient capacity in the power grid.
Too poor network capacity

The last problem means that even if new electricity production is started locally – for example through solar parks, the capacity in the local grid is too small. In fact, it is so limited that it is hardly possible to distribute all the new electricity further either – neither internally in the region nor to other parts of Norway. The realization is therefore that the Kongsvinger region needs access to more power to establish new industry, and to create more jobs in the coming years.

In addition, the existing industry in the area needs more power to grow and develop, as well as to be able to implement the planned green transition (electrification). Today, the production of electricity in the region is only slightly greater than consumption. When the need for heating is greatest, the region has a power deficit.

Interesting input

Analyst Tor Reier Lilleholt from Volume Insight provided insight into what the future of electricity looks like in Norway and Europe, and how it will affect our region (including the consequences of different choices). In addition, the background for the strategy was reviewed by the general manager of Klosser Innovasjon Kongsvinger, Lars Gillund.

The process onwards

Municipal Manager for Society and Environment in Kongsvinger, Kjetil Wold Henriksen, presented some important key points about the energy mix.

The goal is for the six municipal councils to decide on proposals for an energy strategy and energy mix before the summer. Specific power developments will not be adopted. However, the strategy will propose measures to reduce energy consumption, smarter utilization of existing power grids and measures to increase the development of small-scale power on grey areas. In addition, a planning program will be presented that will define what needs to be investigated in advance of a possible area assessment for larger power production, such as nuclear power, so-called x-wind and wind power.

The presidency members ended the day with group work on relevant issues.

 

Articles - The power challenge

Here we will continuously post interesting and relevant links to articles, which can be useful as a knowledge base for the discussion around the Kongsvinger region's energy strategy.

Open meeting on energy strategy for the Kongsvinger region

Good turnout at the open meeting on energy strategy in the Kongsvinger region

We want to ensure good access to power for the industry, low electricity prices for people, with as little interference with nature as possible. The Kongsvinger region's energy strategy will help us understand the need for energy and further develop a region that is good to live in. On Wednesday 8 January, hundreds turned up for an open public meeting about the region's energy strategy.

 

What is the need?

The industry needs more power for new growth and green transition and the region needs more power for new industry and jobs. In addition, a capacity-wise stable power grid is needed for security of supply and emergency preparedness.

 

What is the status today?

There is too little renewable energy and we have too little capacity in the current power grid.

 

Our future – our choices

• Proactive approach
• Collaboration as key
• Seek knowledge before making decisions
• Need for an energy mix
• Prepare for changes

The region has chosen to focus of cooperation about identifying needs and realizing solutions. Society is facing major changes. In order to emerge stronger from these, we must make active choices that give us control. We do not want to be passive passengers on our way to an uncertain future. This lays the foundation for targeted development and good agreements.  

 

Industry's power needs

Review of the industry's power needs with statements from the companies themselves. Due to a lack of power and access to energy, we also see that more people are choosing to establish businesses and create jobs outside the Kongsvinger region.

Wide composite panel

A panel made up of participants from IFE (Institute of Energy Engineering), Sabima and Eidsiva Hafslund Vind responded to input that has come via the input portal to the Kongsvinger region ahead of the meeting. The questions that were elucidated were, among other things:
- Do we need an energy transition?
- Can't we just cut the cables abroad and build a new network for the region?
- Energy saving - could it be part of the answer?
- Use hydropower and Glomma!
- Is nuclear power the solution?
- What about wind power?
- How to take nature into account?

Collaboration as a strategy for success

This means that we must share disadvantages and advantages, make resource use more efficient and build expertise so that we have the confidence to make decisions for a green transition. We also have a social responsibility to produce the energy we need ourselves, plus a little more, so that we have the opportunity to be part of the national emergency response. 

The region must work together to develop a joint energy strategy with the following focus areas and solutions/measures within: 

  • New power 
  • Energy in business area strategy 
  • Open dialogue 
  • Unleash power 
  • Simplify processes 

Focus areas and solutions/measures

Open dialogue
As representatives of the majority of people, we must build trust by ensuring that all information is inclusive and accessible.

1. Energy portal
2. Excess energy

Unleash power
Through the municipality's role as owner and purchaser of buildings, we can get more out of less energy.

3. The region's energy coordinator
4. Energy requirements

Simplify processes
As a driving force and facilitator of green conversion, the municipality must make it easy for everyone who wants to produce new energy in abandoned tracks.

5. Express process
6. Green heart LAB

Energy in business area strategy
Through the municipality's role as planner and manager, natural values ​​and gray areas become part of the commercial area strategy, for the development of renewable energy, with as little intervention as possible.

7. Natural values
8. Definition of gray areas

New power
The municipalities in the Kongsvinger region collaborate on the development of new energy.

9. Joint plan for power and energy

10. A good deal
11. Influence map
12. More off the grid

The way forward

The way forward The joint energy strategy must be processed in the municipalities before the summer. There will be another public meeting when the strategy is put out for consultation in March, and citizens will have the opportunity to comment on the strategy before political consideration in June 2025.  

 

Energy mix in the Kongsvinger region - read the report here

Which combination of energy sources gives us the opportunity to secure enough renewable energy for industry, with as little interference with nature as possible?

The only thing that is certain is that we will need more power for the industry in the years to come. The challenge is that all options for new power generation have major advantages and disadvantages, and that all development of infrastructure that affects
people and nature is unpopular.

Energy efficiency is an important measure, but also demanding to implement due to investment costs.
At the same time, we must ensure that the electricity grid is always in balance, that is to say that the same amount of electricity is produced as is consumed.

In order to alleviate disadvantages and exploit advantages, reduce the need for natural interventions and at the same time ensure balance in the grid, we need more sources of power and energy. We call this an energy mix.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE!

Open public meeting on the Kongsvinger region's energy strategy 8.1.2025 January XNUMX - sign up!

How can we ensure enough power for the Kongsvinger region, with as little interference with nature as possible?

The region needs more residents of working age and attractive jobs. In order to retain and create jobs in the region, industry and business need more power for growth and a green transition.

Our challenge is that we currently produce too little renewable energy in the winter months, when the need is greatest. In addition, we have too poor a power grid to import more power than we already do today.

The Kongsvinger region is a collaboration between the municipalities of Grue, Eidskog, Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal and Åsnes to succeed in industrial and commercial development.

Do you want to learn more about energy concepts? Watch the film with Kjetil Wold Henriksen:

Force ABC
Force ABC
Information about the project

You will find more information about the project HERE.

Give input to the energy strategy

Here you can give input to the Kongsvinger region's energy strategy.

Open public meeting on 8 January 2025

The input we have received to date provides the basis for an open public meeting on 8.1.25 January 18 at 20-4 at Innlandet Science Park (Strandvegen 2212, XNUMX Kongsvinger).

AGENDA

18.00 Welcome // Agenda, goals and expectations v/Lars Gillund

18.03 Background // What is the power challenge v/ Elin Såheim Bjørkli

18.08 What is energy? // Clarification of terms v/Kjetil Wold Henriksen

18.13 Energy demand // What is the energy demand of the industry? v/Lars Gillund

18.18 Energy mix // Panel discussion. Questions and input from the audience via the input portal Aula

19.10 BREAK

19.20 Energy strategy // Our energy strategy is collaboration with Lars Gillund

19.35 Panel discussion // What should we collaborate on?

19.55 The way forward // Our need, our choice v/Elin Såheim Bjørkli

20.00 Thank you for tonight

 

PANEL PARTICIPANTS

  • Bjorn Axel Gran, Division Director in IFE (Department of Energy Engineering). IFE has a license to own and operate nuclear facilities and fuel storage facilities in Halden and Kjeller. Since 1948, they have been an international leader in energy research. About IFE - IFE
  • Sven Lersveen, Project manager at Eidsiva Hafslund wind. Hafslund and Eidsiva are working together to develop onshore wind power.
  • Einar Wilhelmsen, Secretary General of Sabima. Sabima is an environmental organization that works to stop the loss of natural diversity, propose political solutions and spread knowledge about ecological relationships. Who is Sabima? - Sabima
  • Munir Jaber, Responsible for Energy in ZERO. The environmental foundation ZERO is an independent, non-profit organization that was founded in 2002 and works for emission-free energy systems. About us - Zero.  Energy - Zero

 

(Photo: Pan Tretophytter. Andreas Kokkvoll/Visit Eastern Norway)