Opposition to wind power in Norway is increasing

Storheia wind powerPhoto: Heiko Junge / NTB

Despite sky-high electricity prices, half of the Norwegian population does not want more wind power projects on land.

In a survey Norfakta has carried out for the newspaper Klassekampen, 50% of respondents said they were against Norway building more wind power projects on land. 37% supported new construction.

Eivind Salen, leader of the organization Motvind Norge, is satisfied with the figures.

“Everyone is worried about electricity prices, and Statnett and Statkraft say you have to build more wind power to bring them down. Still, 50% of people are against it – we do not want it,” Salen said.

Opposition to wind power is greatest in Western Norway, where as many as 60% of people oppose new wind power projects on land.

The government’s position

Minister of Petroleum and Energy Marte Mjøs Persen (AP) says the government wants more wind power on land, in addition to offshore wind power.

“We will facilitate wind power on land where there is local support (for such projects) and good wind conditions and where it is possible to balance (these projects) with preserving nature,” she said.

Opposition to wind power is greatest among the Red Party’s (Rødt) voters (69% oppose wind power). Progress Party (FRP) voters are in second (64%), and the Center Party’s (SP) voters are in third place (62%) when it comes to opposition to new wind projects on land. 

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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