The Norwegian government has abandoned plans for a national framework for onshore wind citing strong resistance to the plan that would have designated 13 areas most suitable for development.
Minister of Petroleum and Energy Kjell Borge Freiberg said that the idea behind the framework had been to mitigate conflicts over project developments.
However, most of the 5000 consultation responses were critical of the framework, he said.
“That is why we will not proceed with the proposal for a national framework with the 13 designated areas,” he added.
The government said that it still wants to facilitate the development of renewable energy in Norway and the input from the consultation has provided a better knowledge base for the assessments of wind power projects, in particular on the licensing process.
Therefore, it aims of improving and tightening current practice and will await clarification on the changes to the system before resuming wind power licensing.
Changes planned for the licensing regime include stricter practice for extension of construction deadlines, updated handling of nature and environmental issues and the introduction of a scheme to ensure county municipalities are consulted on wind power issues.
Consideration will be given to how regional plans can be given greater importance in project development.