This week, AUCEL welcomed Bastian Jansen, a Senior Adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Energy. On his visit to Scotland, Bastian stopped over in Aberdeen, where he met with AUCEL research staff to discuss the role of law and policy in the deployment of offshore wind in the UK and in Norway.
Bastian also presented to a group of energy law students and researchers at the University of Aberdeen, discussing the role of law and policy in the Norwegian energy transition. He outlined the challenges of meeting the future increasing electricity demand in Norway; the role of offshore wind, nuclear, and demand management; as well as the changes into the planning policy around onshore renewables. We drew some comparisons with the regulatory changes and proposed reforms in Scotland and the UK noting the common challenge of meaningful and positive public engagement, as well as robust support schemes for offshore wind.
Cross-comparative learning has always been an important part of AUCEL's work. Norway presents an excellent case study as a North Sea country with a legacy in offshore developments, and a focus on future transition and electrification of the energy system.