– We want to give local governments more control over the processes related to the development of onshore wind energy. Increased involvement of municipalities and local communities is necessary to give legitimacy to the processes. Also better local anchoring and more tailored solutions, says Sigbjørn Gjelsvik.

Read also: Polish driving license for an unlimited period: Exchange. Recipes. When and does everyone need to replace them?

Draft amendments to the Energy Law and the Planning and Construction Act regarding the construction of onshore wind farms have just been submitted for consultation. The advisory note is a continuation of the Storting resolution. The government is asked to promote the proposal to include the planning and construction of wind farms in the law on planning and construction.

Three years of stagnation

“Now we hand over power to the municipalities. This will provide a more predictable framework for wind energy development and help reduce the level of conflicts in wind energy matters. The goal is to lay the foundations for further development of wind energy. Also strengthening the energy balance and achieving national climate goals, says Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland.

– After three years of stagnation, last year we started the process of obtaining licenses for new wind farms again. But we always said we would do it with the municipalities, not against the municipalities. This is a good example, says Aasland.

The proposal means a change in the decision-making process. Until now, municipalities have usually taken a stance on wind energy when hearing licensing processes. However, formal clarification of the plan took place through exemptions or changes to the plan.

A solid socio-economic balance of all the advantages and disadvantages of the project

Now the government is proposing that a comprehensive clarification of land use be made in accordance with the Planning and Construction Act by means of a zoning ordinance - before the license is granted.

Objectives for efficient and resource-saving processes are important issues in the ministries' proposal. Licensed wind power processing must be maintained as a sound socio-economic balance of all the advantages and disadvantages of the project. The new rules will be structured so as not to lead to unnecessary double processing.

“In the past, municipalities risked that the project they agreed to would be changed before it was built. An example is when, for example, it ended up with higher turbines than originally planned. We'll fix it now, says Gjelsvik.

Like us on Facebook and share our post with others. Thank you.

Source: regjeringen

Read and learn more: Approved revised VAT exemption for electric cars