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Norwegian climate policy is tied to the EU climate policy
and uses the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) as
its key tool. More sectors should be brought into the
quota system. For the sectors that are not part of EU
ETS, Norway should prioritize measures that lead to
real reductions of CO
2
emissions and are not subjected
to carbon leakage (such as electrification in the
transportation sector).
Use policy instruments to reduce the uncertainty
for Norwegian industry, which can lead to important
environmental benefits and also create economic growth.
Examples may include our long-term agreements with
Sweden on Norwegian renewable energy, cables, and how
flexibility is best exploited. Long-term agreements and
regulating supported by more flexible services associated
with gas transport and storage. This may potentially
create flexibility in the European market.
There are many possible research and demonstration
projects that can support Norwegian interests and at the
same time can affect climate.
– Research in hydroelectric power and
offshore wind farms
– Research on alterations of the transportation sector
– Research and demonstrations associated with
energy efficiency improvements
– A program for carbon capture and sequestration
of CO
2
that involve all phases of the process.
On 10 November 2015 NTNA arranged an open meeting
at the Gløshaugen Campus at the Norwegian University
Technology and Science (NTNU) addressed the conditions
which must be met to conduct a successful climate
policy.
Economist Jan Bråten,
Statnett, was one of the
introductory speakers. He formulated four main
messages for climate policy: (1) There’s a crucial need
for innovation if we are to limit global warming to 2°C.
We must develop many emissionless solutions and
implement them inexpensively, so they may be used by
many. (2) Experience shows that goal-oriented innovation
can cut costs dramatically for emissionless solutions.
Innovation can work miracles. (3) Success depends on
our major, long-term commitment to research, and we
must employ goal-oriented means to initiate extensive
development of new solutions. Development triggers
innovation and economies of scale, both of which lead to
lowering the costs of climate initiatives. (4) Innovation is
not just about technology. We also need social innovation
to develop suitable legislation and regulation, institutes
and means, and we need widespread acceptance of the
processes of change that we will go through.
Professor Asgeir Tomasgard,
NTNU - one authors of the
NTVA Anniversary Book authors (page 8) - focused on the
political conditions for a successful Norwegian climate
policy.
NTVA IN
TRONDHEIM
CONDITIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLIMATE POLICY
From the Autorium 10 November 2015.