Earlier this week, as reported by Reuters, the parliament in Norway voted unanimously and told government to assess carbon capture and storage technologies for decarbonizing Equinor’s Hammerfest liquefied natural gas plant, Western Europe’s largest.
Energy company Equinor caused controversy by requesting government approval to start powering their operations with electricity provided by Norway’s national power grid in an attempt to cut back on their substantial carbon emissions.
This request received pushback from locals, who expressed concerns about the effect this switch would have on their access to electricity.
With the national grid distributing a set amount of power to households, citizens are worried that a company the size of Equinor joining the network will consume a large part of the resources, causing shortages for everyday users.
Sami indigenous people have also expressed worries, pointing out that the infrastructure needed to carry the electricity will have to be built on reindeer pastures, which in turn will scare and disturb the animals, who are an essential part of the Sami traditions and livelihood.
Related: Norway & France To Collaborate On Carbon Capture Technology
On April 18, 2023, the Norwegian parliament ordered the government to look for carbon capture and storage solutions as an alternative to electrification, while at the same time they respected a recommendation from the power committee to reject proposals that could interrupt electrification plans.
In its effort to comply with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, Norway is looking to reduce its national carbon emissions by electrifying big industrial companies.
As the country debates whether or not it has the capacity to answer this challenge, looking for climate-forward solutions like CCS technologies might prove to be the most sustainable way to reach the set targets, albeit at a greater financial cost for the companies that will implement the innovative mechanisms.
Read more: Aker BP, Wintershall Dea Land Carbon Storage Licenses Offshore Norway
