Wind and hydro power complement each other. They interact in the delivery of the most emission-free, energy-efficient and cost-effective electric power there is. It is a myth that these two unique sources of energy are in conflict with each other – in fact, it is quite the contrary. Listen:
When
the rain stops, and ice is forming on the reservoirs, that is when there is
most wind at Jæren
The price of, and the demand for, electric power is highest during winter. And
this is the time of year when the least water is trickling from the natural
surroundings into the reservoirs. Thus, below the ice, water is gradually
drained, in step with the increased sale of electric power.
However, winter is also the season with the most wind, making it possible for wind power to add muscle and act as a buffer during the period when the demand for power is greatest and the price pressure strongest. This way, the owners of the hydro power plants are able to optimise production and maximise the sale of power, without risking the need for rationing before the snow starts to melt in the spring.
Wind
and water are decisive for the green change
No other sources of energy are able to
compete with these two, when it comes to the fastest possible transition from
the use of fossil to renewable, zero-emission energy in Norway.
More than 50% of energy consumption in Norway (on and offshore) is still fossil-based (ref. the SSB table). It is possible to replace most of this fossil energy consumption with renewable energy from hydro and wind power.
The price of electric power to consumers is the same whether it comes from wind or water, and the subsidy per kilowatt produced is exactly the same for the producers of both hydro power and wind power.
We live in a country with fantastic capacity to produce and use climate-friendly electric power produced by water and wind. That is important for reaching the climate targets!
