More Facts – Less Noise
The debate about Davvi wind farm evokes strong emotions. And the more emotions, the more important it becomes to recall the facts. When the project is repeatedly referred to as already decided – either in favor of opponents or advocates – it becomes extra important to recall what the case is actually about after the Storting has dealt with the question on May 6 this year.
The Storting made the following decision: « The applied projects that can provide sufficient power to Melkøya are secured and then treated in reality so that it can potentially be in operation by 2030. » The Storting’s majority stated in writing, that with this decision it is believed that the project applied for « had to be sent for consultation as soon as possible and that it was important that all mature projects that can contribute to sufficient power to Melkøya are given priority by the authorities and secured concession treatment within a reasonable time. »
This is the Storting’s opinion and decision, and in practice it means that the Davvi project should be sent for consultation and subject to an unruly reality treatment. The Storting has thus not adopted the construction of Davvi.
In a media image that often focuses on conflict and resistance, we want to recall some facts that do not always come out so well:
The most mature project in the region
Davvi was reported as early as 2017, and received a established impact assessment program under Norwegian law. Since then, extensive investigations have been conducted. The license application was submitted in 2019 and updated in 2022 after NVE’s input. This means that the project is fully investigated and has delivered everything required to be treated. Thus, one can safely say that this is the most mature project in the region. The other projects under consideration are still at the message stage.
Resistance exists – and it applies to all projects
It is true that some municipalities and organizations are critical of Davvi. But the same applies to all other planned projects in the region. For example, Tana Municipality has notified objections to all other reported or applied for projects in Finnmark, as well as the 420 kv line through their municipality. Davvi is not the exception for resistance to wind power, but is probably better known because it has been on the table longer than the others.
Reality treatment is not construction start
Several have claimed that Davvi is « too controversial » to be treated. But there is no statutory provision that states that they should not evaluate applications because they evoke debate. This was also an important point for the majority of the Storting.
Committee leader Ingvild Kjerkol from the Labor Party has repeatedly stated that particular point, that the Storting does not want industrial and power projects to be assessed based on how « controversial » they are.
Whether the administration should be able to opt out of projects based on noise and debate and not based on investigative results and legislative work has been the Storting’s concern in this matter. For the same reason, we can add that both NHO and LO nationally have gone out with clear support for a reality treatment of Davvi.
We want an open and factual hearing
We know that wind power engages, and we hope for a constructive and good debate going forward.
Our most important matter in the case of Davvi, so far for us as an industry actor in the Nordic and Norway, has not been to have Davvi adopted by the Storting, but to have the agreement we had with NVE on how this process should be carried out. Fortunately, the principle of the Storting’s majority quit. Then time will tell if Davvi is built or not.
