No. 3 - 2010 (Download) - Statkraft

that would reduce our production ability, rather
than NVE deciding itfor us? And how would
various solutions affect how people regard us,
locally and in general?” “There’s a long list of
dilemmas, and we almost never have an answer
that’s 100 per cent right or wrong. We focus on
showing that there are a number of measures
that can be introduced, without weakening
the flexibility of the energy production. Very
important measures include restocking fish and
improving spawning conditions for fish. It is also
possible to facilitate camping and fishing. Not
least, other measures could be introduced for
other species impacted by the development,
such as in Aura, where a solution was found
to make it easier for wild reindeer to cross the
Aursjø reservoir,” Marskar says.
“Each river regulation is unique, with different
requests and local demands. We want to have a
good dialogue and so it remains to see what the
authorities change. Regardless, their decisions
will be one of the most important guidelines for
Statkraft’s activities in Norwegian river systems
in the decades to come.” ●
river systems and the environment
One step ahead
“despite the already very strict regulations
from the authorities, Statkraft
continuously works to find out how we can
safeguard the environment even better,”
says section head for the environment and
licenses, Vegard Pettersen.
There is hardly any other country in the
world, besides Norway, with as strict
legislation to regulate the energy industry to
achieve the most sustainable development.
Under this legislation, the water resources
and environmental authorities in Norway
can demand changes in river management,
and order companies to implement improvement
measures, restock fish and carry out
environmental studies.
Still, in some cases, Statkraft chooses
to go beyond the regulatory requirements,
according to Pettersen. Through voluntary
measures, studies and self-imposed restrictions,
the company emphasises making an
extra effort for local communities and the
environment.
Pettersen says the self-imposed restrictions
are closely tied to how Statkraft has
been formed by its history. He points out
that ever since the start, Statkraft has had
a strong local involvement with the various
river systems. And locally, one always had
to keep in mind how to limit the negative
impact.
“It is important to us to be a good neighbour.
Since we constructed the facilities,
we have constantly acquired new expertise,
which we use to improve the sustainable
power production. When we now see new
opportunities to use and expand this expertise,
it sometimes results in a self-imposed
restriction or a voluntary measure. By doing
this, we would like to show the world that we
are conscious of our environmental responsibility,
at the same time as we unite this
with financially sound power generation. In
the long term, we therefore safeguard the
possibility of continued high sustainable
production,” Pettersen says.
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