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.
