What is the power challenge?
In autumn 2023, Klosser Innovation was commissioned on behalf of the Kongsvinger region to investigate the power situation in our region. The aim was to map the challenges we face and the opportunities we have going forward.
We already have an energy deficit in winter
The Kongsvinger region is currently dependent on imports to have sufficient energy. The reason is that our biggest energy sources today are not possible to regulate. Hydropower produces little in the winter when there is a lot of ice and less current down the river and wind power does not produce when the wind is calm. Importing electricity is also not without its challenges, as our area is characterized by a lack of capacity on the electricity grid. The transmission network is the main network in Norway, and are the lines that give all regions access to a common marketplace to buy and sell electricity when needed. Most power lines in this network have a voltage of 200kV (kilovolts) or higher. In our region, we are the only area in the interior to have a transmission network of only 132 kV, which means that we can transport less electricity in and out of the region.
For less electricity leads to less industry, infrastructure and restructuring
A survey shows that the industry in the Kongsvinger region has the potential for a doubling in turnover towards 2030 for the 25 largest businesses.
Despite large industrial growth ambitions in the Kongsvinger region, the feedback from Elvia and Statnett is that in the short and medium term there is not enough power in the power grid for larger industrial ventures. As of now, it is unclear whether there is sufficient power/effect to meet the needs of the established businesses, and it is unclear whether it is possible to establish and develop new industry in the region.
Lack of electricity will prevent new industry players from establishing themselves, and in the worst case contribute to the closure or relocation of existing industry that cannot realize its expansion and growth plans. Without good access to power, the Kongsvinger region will lose important industrial jobs.
Green transition creates a greater need for renewable energy
Businesses are given new requirements to convert from gas/oil as an energy source to emission-free energy sources. At the same time, a restructuring is taking place where freight transport is switched from fossil fuels to electric power, which will entail a need for charging infrastructure close to the industry. In addition, the Kongsvinger region has established several large industrial areas where several new industrial enterprises with large power requirements and possible turnover of billions wish to establish themselves, or are in the process of establishing themselves in the region. This means increased production, which based on today's production logic will require much higher power consumption and power requirements than today.
The Energy Commission's NOU (2023) points out, among other things, that if the climate targets are to be reached, this means a massive need for more renewable power. They point out that we are entering a new era that requires a comprehensive restructuring of the energy system, and we are running out of time. The commission also points to the need for more efficient utilization of power resources where we have to achieve smart energy use, which is more energy efficient, more digital and more flexible.
We must build on our strengths
The Kongsvinger region is historically a very strong industrial region with great growth potential. Industry in the region is already working very actively with energy efficiency and 7sterke's energy mapping program has shown potential in identified measures corresponding to 4.3 GWh/year with 10-15% savings in annual energy consumption. It is now expected that further growth will be facilitated through:
- Strengthening the transmission network to the region, which in turn ensures the possibility of growth in existing industry and the establishment of new industry. Possibility in the long term, but fraught with conflict and with high costs in the form of investments in new lines and transformer capacity. Depending on industrial investment.
- Opportunity to test out flexible utilization of the energy infrastructure within an industrial area (smart grids), which will make the utilization of energy more efficient, which will in the next step enable growth in existing industry and new connections. Opportunity in the short term, but requires new technology utilization and regulatory adjustments.
- Development of more sustainable and renewable energy, and link this to the possibility of establishing and scaling green industry where the development takes place. There are medium-term opportunities in solar and wind, where wind is fraught with conflict, while solar has limited potential. Hydropower has low development potential in our region. All unregulated power can have increased utility in combination with storage through batteries or hydrogen production.
The power report briefly summarized
The Kongsvinger region has a large growth potential linked to both existing and new industry. In addition, established industry must be converted from fossil to non-fossil energy sources and more of the transport electrified. As of today, there is not enough power and capacity to meet all these needs.
The Kongsvinger region and Innlandet are importer of power in winter and during the coldest periods. However, the hinterland is a net producer of power for the year as a whole.
Line capacity and the region's electricity infrastructure is weak and Elvia reports that there is not a sufficient grid for new establishments. It is therefore important to work for improvements to the grid, but this is dependent on more energy production and new large consumption connections.
It is possible with energy efficiency of approx. 10-15% in industry. This will reduce electricity consumption, but will not enable connections to new industry.
The possibility of replacing parts of the electricity consumption with district heating, especially in new developments.
Vannkraft has a very low development potential in the region, given current technology. The best hydropower projects have already been developed and upgraded. In addition, Glomma and its associated waterways have a flat terrain with a minimal drop height, which gives a low production capacity.
It is possible to establish a lot solar power, but this requires large investments in electricity infrastructure as solar power requires a large effect on the grid. Solkraft delivers most in the summer months when demand is lowest.
Vindpower entails natural encroachment, as well as visual and audible noise (but within the limit value of 45 dB). However, wind power has a large energy potential in the winter and has the finances to contribute to infrastructure development.
Nuclear power has a potential for high production of green power. However, there is disagreement about the time perspective linked to introduction and whether nuclear power is the right way to go for Norway. It is recommended that the region stays up-to-date on the possibilities and considers participating
Download the report: The power situation in the Kongsvinger region as a PDF here.
