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In the summer of 2014 14 authors, many members of the
Academy, began writing a textbook on energy production,
technology and climate challenges. NTVA president Eivind
Hiis Hauge was the leader of the editorial staff. The book
marked the 60th anniversary of the Academy’s founding in
Trondheim.
It comprises 11 chapters, in which the authors address
energy-related problems based on expertise in their own
professional fields. Their challenge was to be concise,
preferably with sharp conclusions and recommen
dations to decision-makers. The authors are themselves
responsible for the presentations in and conclusions
of their chapters. The book is not a compendium of
consensus within the Academy.
The book focuses on the technical aspects of the fields
of energy and climate. But political guidance is decisive
for further developments. Nine chapters on technologies
are framed between an introductory chapter and a final
chapter slanted toward the social and political sciences.
The fields of responsibility covered in the book are
complex. Nonetheless there are some principal
conclusions:
– A holistic perspective is essential to achieving goals in
the versatile field of energy and climate.
– It isn’t a lack of fossil resources that will bring the age
of fossil fuels to an end. But a shift away from fossil
resources probably will take a long time.
– A climate-friendly society requires a high degree of
electrification.
– Apparently the Norwegian power grid need not be
further developed to meet domestic needs. However,
energy surpluses may be used for efficient, less
polluting industrial production. By exchanging energy
Norway can contribute to reducing emissions from
other Nordic countries and from northern Europe.
– The transport sector has an obvious potential for
reducing its emissions. Norway has been a leading
country in introducing electric cars. Maintaining this
pioneer role requires a balanced, broad development of
the incentive structure.
On 21 October, the online version of the leading
Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten featured a long review
of the book. The newspaper Adresseavisen also published
commentary based on the book. Review copies of the book
were sents to many members of the Press as well as to
Members of Parliament on the Energy and Environment
Committee, the Research and Education Committee, and
the Committee on Business and Industry. The book also
was presented at a Ministry of Climate and Environment
meeting.
With time the book has become well known. Reader
reactions have been very positive.
ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY AND CLIMATE
– CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITES