Norway plans end of green certificate programme

To avoid reduced values of existing renewable production, Norway does not plan to introduce new targets under its green certificate programme, meaning that the scheme will be ended by 2021, the government announced.

Norway’s green certificates scheme is operated jointly with Sweden and was introduced in 2012.

On Friday, the ministry of petroleum and energy presented a white paper on its energy policy through 2030. It says that renewables certificate programme will be ended, but the licensing process for green projects will be made more efficient. The government is planning to also introduce a national framework for wind power as it wants more of that power source. By doing so it expects to help dampen conflicts and provide appropriate choices of locating wind power.

The document also outlines plans for Norway to increase links with European energy markets. For the purpose, it intends to allow others to own and operate interconnectors, while currently this is a prerogative only of state-owned transmission system operator (TSO) Statnett.

“Our renewable energy resources and a well-functioning energy sector are competitive advantages for Norway. An efficient energy market and access to reliable and clean renewable energy is crucial for a climate-friendly energy supply. Our energy policy will enable increased use of renewable power in new areas,” said minister of petroleum and energy Tord Lien.

Reacting to the government’s plan to end the subsidy scheme for renewables, Norway's wind power association Norwea said it considers the move to be a premature one.

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