Norwegian minister says no to nukes

Norwegian minister says no to nukes;

2.6bn renewable fund launched

London (Platts)--12Jun2006

Nuclear power is not considered an option for resolving the predicted
power crisis in Norway, energy minister Odd Roger Enoksen told Platts Monday,
as he launched a NOK20 billion (Eur2.57 billion) fund to back increased
production of renewable energy.
Critics have recently called for the introduction of nuclear power to
Norway, the sixth largest hydro power producer in the world, as a response to
increased consumption and a power supply shortage in mid-Norway that has been
predicted to occur in the near future.
But Enoksen said nuclear power was not considered an option by the
government.
"We don't need it," Enoksen told Platts at the Eurelectric annual
convention and conference in Oslo.
"We have a large potential in renewables and hydro power, CO2 capture and
gas fired plants," he said.
At the Oslo conference, Enoksen launched an "ambitious" NOK20 billion
fund to support increased production of renewable energy in Norway, which he
said would strengthen the security of power supply.
"This is an ambitious move which confirms Norway's position as a leading
nation within the development of renewable energy. The initiatives will
contribute to strengthening the security of energy supply in Norway, and it's
a considerable contribution to reaching the government's target of a more
environmentally friendly and diverse energy system," Enoksen said in a
statement.
The fund, which will be managed by Enova, will contribute to the
government's target of increasing production of renewable energy by 30
terawatt hours from 2001 to 2016.
Meanwhile, Norwegian utility Nord-Trondelag Elektrisitetsverk (NTE) has
won a license to go ahead with the development of the 249 megawatt Ytre Vikna
wind farm in mid-Norway. The farm will consist of about 99 wind turbines, with
an estimated annual production of 879 gigawatt hours.
"Ytre Vikna wind power farm is an important contribution to strengthening
the security of supply in Norway," Enoksen said.

For similar stories, request a free trial to Platts Power in Europe at
http://www.platts.com/Request%20More%20Information/

Please visit: www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.