A necessary craft for the entire Finnmark

Finnmark cannot continue to live with an increased risk of power outages as 16,000 inhabitants experienced last year, or companies get no to invest because of an outdated power grid. This weakens social security and growth opportunities in the county.

Therefore, we agree with the Total Emergency Commission that the emergency preparedness in Finnmark must be strengthened and that people, activity and development are part of it.

The power and industrial lift in Finnmark is a necessary solution that provides more power and network, cuts emissions and creates jobs. The current electricity grid in eastern Finnmark has limited capacity, which prevents the development of new industry and larger projects. An upgrade to the 420 kv line will ensure adequate power supply for future needs.

In the West Finnmark, the Snøhvit field's lifetime can be extended from 2030 to 2050 with Snøhvit Future, which reduces CO2 emissions by 850,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and secures 700 jobs. Finnmark gets supply security and Europe gets a stable energy supply in a troubled time. Today, about 1100 people work with the Snøhvit Future project.

Regional employment in the construction phase is estimated at almost 1700 full -time equivalents (national 5400). So far, contracts have been signed with a large number of Northern Norwegian companies, and these have invested in personnel and equipment to deliver.

Recently, the OAG stated that today's power grid is a major obstacle to business development and brakes the transition to the low-emission society, which we agree with. The network development provides activity throughout the county – and we need it now.

Several municipalities in East Finnmark have had to say no to potential industrial projects due to insufficient power capacity. It is necessary to secure activity and jobs in Finnmark if we are to retain young people and attract new residents.

If Finnmark is to be attractive for new establishments, there must be access to area and power. Investing in infrastructure is therefore a basic grip in the struggle to reverse the negative population development.

A struggle for the power and industrial lift for Finnmark in the Storting creates uncertainty in business and lack of predictability to ensure Finnmark a sound power situation. Companies and entrepreneurs in Finnmark must be able to invest or adjust, the Finnmarks must be able to trust that they have light and heat, and the defense must have stable access to power when they rise in the north.

Since 2023, NHO and LO have collaborated on the power lift throughout the country. The purpose is to ensure that we have enough power for climate change and further development in business, as well as viable and competitive electricity prices in the future.

This is crucial to securing our jobs in global competition. The power and industrial lift for Finnmark is necessary to ensure that Finnmark is also involved in that competition.

Sigrid Ina Simonsen

Regional Director of the NHO Arctic

Bjørn Johansen, regional leader

LO Troms and Finnmark