The Norwegian parliament has voted in favor of allowing hydropower development in previously protected rivers, paving the way for potential projects while raising new opportunities and challenges for the hydropower sector. As reported by The Guardian, this decision has sparked debate among environmental groups and industry stakeholders regarding its long-term impact on Norway’s renewable energy strategy.
The bill, passed on Thursday, permits hydropower plants exceeding 1MW in protected rivers if the societal benefits are deemed “significant” and environmental impacts “acceptable.” This legislative change aligns with broader efforts to enhance flood mitigation and landslide prevention. The industry must now assess how best to integrate hydropower solutions within these newly available river systems while complying with strict environmental assessments.
Green Party politician Une Bastholm criticized the move as “a historic attack on Norwegian nature.” Environmental activists express concerns that this policy shift may lead to continuous legal disputes over river developments, citing a lack of comprehensive environmental impact studies and public consultation prior to the bill’s approval, The Guardian reports.
Norway currently protects nearly 400 waterways from large-scale hydropower development to preserve ecological integrity. Environmentalists are concerned the introduction of hydropower projects in these areas could further impact fish populations and biodiversity, necessitating careful site selection and design considerations.
Opposition to the bill has been significant, with campaigners presenting a petition with 25,000 signatures against the measure.
Despite opposition, supporters of the legislation argue that risks have been overstated. The criteria for approval remain stringent, ensuring that all proposed projects undergo rigorous environmental scrutiny. The bill was backed by Norway’s Conservative, Progress, Labour, and Centre parties.
Hydropower remains central to Norway’s energy infrastructure, with the country’s electricity grid primarily powered by renewable sources. The nation is a net energy exporter and benefits from relatively low electricity costs.
