Is it Alta who has to save Finnmark’s future with energy production?

Can a floating gas power plant with carbon capture end up in Alta? « 

There is an opportunity for Finnmark that maybe not everyone has brought. A company wants to establish a floating gas power plant with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Hammerfest. They have already signed a letter of intent with Polarbase. But what happens next? Nothing?

At least it raises an important question. What happens when the ideas and resources are on the table, but the action is failing? Who is taking action? And where? As far as I have seen, little is done from the political team in Hammerfest. It’s just … quiet. When it is quiet and the responsibility remains on hold, the initiative of others often comes. From those who see the opportunities where others let them pass.

It is not inconceivable that Alta can become a topical location for such a project. Not because it was the plan, but because Alta can actually have the prerequisites to make it happen.

If we also look at the knowledge environments, with Alta High School, UiTs Campus and Knowledge Park Origo, we get an active professional environment. An environment that can contribute to a forward -looking industrial project.

Nor must we overlook the emergency perspective. In a time of increased geopolitical tension in the north, plans are being worked on for an emergency hospital in Alta. By mobilization, Alta is a natural meeting point. A local power source can be an important resource in this way. A CCS power plant is not just about climate. It is also about emergency preparedness and infrastructure.

And then there is the elephant in the room: Melkøya.

Equinor and the government launched electrification of Melkøya as a climate measure. But for whom? And at what price? Equinor is able to secure its power requirement through public investments. At the same time, people and businesses are at standing with the electricity bill and a shortage of power. The electrification is unsocial. It is centralizing. And it allows for power shortages in local value creation. Then it is both legitimate and strategic to look for alternative projects. Projects that produce real ripple effects and local benefit.

In this picture Alta must be understood. Not as a competitor to Hammerfest, but as a player who is ready to contribute. But if you want to contribute, you have to let go.

This is not written to undermine Hammerfest. On the contrary. The goal is to raise a necessary, and maybe a little unpleasant, discussion. Can we afford to lose good opportunities because we wait for the state or Equinor to press the start button? Where was the offensive drift of the industrial city? Where is the requirement for action, now that there is a concrete opportunity for new, future -oriented industry? Did all the initiative and the running desire disappear through the election campaign and the new municipal council in Hammerfest?

Perhaps this is precisely this that is needed to arouse interest. That someone else is starting to look ahead. And ask the questions high.

If the politicians in Hammerfest do not seize this chance, should Alta do it?

Ronny Wilhelmsen

Sami representative and list candidate

Bargiidbellodat / Labor Party