Deep decarbonization efforts in Norway for energy sustainability
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PERSPECTIVE Deep decarbonization efforts in Norway for energy sustainability
Truls Norby, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Oslo, NO-0318 Oslo, Norway Emil H. Jensen, Ph.D. Student at Department of Technology Systems, Section for Energy Systems, University of Oslo, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway Sabrina Sartori, Department of Technology Systems, Section for Energy Systems, University of Oslo, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway Address all correspondence to Sabrina Sartori at [email protected] (Received 12 May 2019; accepted 22 May 2019)
ABSTRACT Norway is self-sufficient with ample renewables while exporting large amounts of fossils fuels: It is in a unique position to fully decarbonize itself and significantly contribute to deep decarbonization globally, but the small population and economy limit the effort and impact. We discuss the efforts in Norway to reach the country’s and the Paris/Katowice meetings’ ambitious goals of a carbon-neutral society. Energy sustainability and the abatement of CO2 emissions have a central place in the Norwegian debate. In this perspective, we take a look at policies, strategies, and actions in Norway to realize its ambitious goals from a technological and materials development standpoint, as we are facing the change of pace after the Paris agreement in 2015 and the Katowice 2018 global climate panel meeting. Among the largest exporters of fossil fuels, Norway compensates by intensive investments in the development of carbon capture and sequestration. Following a growing debate involving the entire society, the Norwegian government has taken on aggressive strategies toward the decarbonization of energy production. We herein discuss the activities going on and the peculiar situation in Norway, which lives the rich life provided by fossil fuels while tasting the dream of being the climate knight of the world. Keywords: energy storage; carbon dioxide; environment; government policy and funding; sustainability
DISCUSSION POINTS • Around forty years ago, Norway started major efforts into research and development on carbon capture and storage technologies. After a mix of successes and failures, a renewed commitment to transport and storage of CO2—especially offshore—promises to make Norway a unique laboratory for decarbonization, despite continuing exploitation of oil and gas. • The Norwegian government and collective consciousness of its citizens suggest that a game-changing strategy can foster innovative research and technology breakthroughs. Norwegian environmental organizations take intensively prominence into the national debate and play important roles in the developments. • The changes toward a green and sustainable economy are becoming important to Norwegian industry, as demonstrated by the recent increase in support of innovation in advanced energy materials, for instance, in proton-conducting membranes for electrochemical energy conversion and thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery.
Introduction Norway is the third largest e
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