”I am an optimist when it comes to laying the foundation for a new climate system,” Norwegian minister for Environment, Erik Solheim, said as he officially opened the pavilion where Statkraft and Bellona were presenting 101 solutions to the climate challenge.

New solutions

Solheim had every reason to be an optimist when it came to the opening of the technological groundbreaking equipment, which presented the solutions to the Danish public and others who visit the Rådhuspladsen in Copenhagen during the two weeks of climate talks. Despite some technical hiccups he got to test how to combine various solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and also quickly learned how osmotic power works. 

“I know Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened your osmotic power plant recently, but I’m not completely familiar with how it works,” the Minister said. 
He did not have to wait for long as several eager Statkraft employees started explaining the use of membranes and the mixture of saltwater and fresh water. 

- The most important meeting in history

Solheim said that one cannot say it is more important to find solutions in one’s own country rather than internationally, but that both are needed – and that hydropower is one of the important solutions in Norway. He also believed that commitment as demonstrated by Statkraft and Bellona is important.
“This is perhaps the most important meeting in history, and in addition to politicians from all over the world coming together to discuss the climate challenges, this is also a meeting place for a number of NGOs, corporations and the general public.”