Longyear Energiverk is a Norwegian coal-fired power plant and a so-called combined heat and power plant, which operates in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
The Government (Regjeringen) has decided that the state budget for 2022 will include a new energy plan for Longyearbyen. The coal-fired power plant (kullkraftverket) in Longyearbyen will be phased out and replaced by a safer and more climate-friendly energy solution. Longyear Energiverk, a coal-fired power plant that supplies Longyearbyen in electricity and district heating. The power plant, commissioned in 1983, is worn out, has high maintenance costs and emits large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Breaks and unforeseen costs in the coming years
In recent years, the state has supported the maintenance of a coal-fired power plant, and a new reserve power plant was launched this fall. The backup power plant should contribute to the proper operation of the power supply system. However energy supply will be exposed to interruptions and unforeseen costs in the coming years.
Much work has been done in recent years to evaluate possible energy solutions. In the fall, we took important steps in assessing how we could introduce a new energy solution for Longyearbyen, he says Minister of Oil and Energy Tina Bru
Tina Bru emphasizes (understreker) that security of supply is very important
A power outage in Svalbard could have serious consequences (alvorlige konsekvenser). Security of supply is the issue that is most important when assessing a new energy solution. We are currently considering fewer solutions that are both safe and much more secure environment friendly than today's coal-fired power plants. Depending on the solution chosen, a new energy solution may be introduced in within two to five lazy.
The alternatives considered include both fossil and renewable solutions, as well as their combinations. Direct transition from coal energy to 100% renewable sources energy is very demanding in a place like Svalbard. To maintain security of supply, this must be done gradually. The new energy supply in Longyearbyen should be based on a new combined heat and power plant. For example, based on natural gas, of course combined with the gradual introduction of more renewable energy.
With a greater share of renewable energy
In the long run the government wants energy supply with the highest possible share of renewable energy within reasonable security of supply. At the same time, it is important to avoid new, major interventions in the sensitive nature of Svalbard. Do not create solutions that result in disproportionately high energy costs for the community of Longyearbyen.
The implementation and operation of a new energy source is costly and demanding, especially in Svalbard. In the future, the government will look more closely at what forms of organization, funding and regulations may be appropriate. This will be in dialogue with the local Longyearbyen council. The government will also take a closer look at the consequences for employment at Longyearbyen in the transition to new energy solutions.
A process involving all stakeholders
When a coal-fired power plant will be phased out and replaced with a more environmentally friendly one the environment as an energy solution, part of the mine's operational base operated by Store Norske will be unnecessary. It is therefore natural that the company's management board, as well as the state as the owner, consider what consequences this will have for mining activities. Store Norske has been and will continue to be a very important player in the Svalbard community. Therefore, I am counting on a good process in this matter with the participation of all interested parties, he says Minister of Trade and Industry Iselin Nybø.
The government wants the energy plan to be prepared in consultation with local authorities. At the same time, coordinate plans to test and introduce renewable energy and energy efficiency. The government aims to present framework of the plan energy and further process of implementing the new energy solution in Svalbard's budget for 2022.
