TEXT: KARL H. YSTANES

“We are working on two projects in the field of energy and the environment at Svalbard. One is called ‘CO2-free Svalbard’ and expresses a vision for eliminating all such emissions from the island. Environment-friendly power supplies to Longyearbyen are a precondition. 

Today, local power is based on coal-fired energy. We want to participate in the task of building a more environment-friendly power plant and to look at alternative energy solutions. We are also participating in the work to establish a reserve facility for the coal-fired power plant. Our involvement here is providing us with useful experience regarding environment-friendly power generation in Arctic climes,” explains Sverre Gotaas, EVP for Innovation at Statkraft.

The other project concerns the replacement of the old and polluting power supply system in Ny Ålesund.“Here, we are working, for example, with new units that are fired using bio-diesel,” says Sverre Gotaas.

The coal-fired power plant on Svalbard is the only one in Norway. It provides Longyearbyen with electricity and heat, but energy requirements are rising steadily. 

The university environment is growing and new research activities are being added all the time. One of them has to do with energy research. And this is where Statkraft comes into the picture.

“We are taking part not only to contribute our own competence, but also to learn and to participate in a community that is developing optimal energy solutions for this kind of climate. It also benefits our reputation. Heads of state, celebrities and, in particular, climate-conscious people are still streaming to Svalbard. It is important for us to show that we are playing an active part in the task of taking on climate challenges,” says Sverre Gotaas.