The Norwegian government has unveiled proposed new rules for assessing onshore wind farm developments, including an 800-metre minimum distance rule for projects from buildings.
The changes proposed by the government aim to provide greater predictability for municipalities, local residents and builders.
Conditions for the maximum height of turbines will also be introduced based on an assessment of each individual machine.
The analysis will be made based on impact assessments, with visualisations used more often in the licensing process.
Clear frameworks and deadlines for project approval will be introduced to avoid long delays in the decision-making process.
There would also be more stringent deadlines for building a project after approval under the proposals.
Other issues covered include the possibility of early rejection of projects, consideration of local compensation, and better coordination of production and network.
Minister of Petroleum and Energy Tina Bru (pictured) said: “We need a clear and up-to-date wind power policy that provides all the predictable frameworks involved.
“After a thorough review of today’s concession treatment, with input from various players, we propose a historic tightening with several measures and improvements in current practice.”
Minister of Climate and Environment Sveinung Rotevatn said: “We must have a good balance between access to renewable energy and the consideration of important environmental values.
“It is important for both climate and natural diversity that we take care of our ecosystems.
“That is why we are now changing and tightening the concession treatment for wind power on land and placing greater emphasis on nature, landscape, outdoor life and the cultural environment.”
The proposals in Norwegian can be found here.