Norwegian municipalities demand mandatory wind‑power impact assessments

A survey of municipal council representatives in Norway found that 76 % support a requirement for municipalities to map and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of wind‑power projects before deciding to reject them. The poll, called Folkevalgtbarometeret, was commissioned by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). NHO chief Ole Erik Almlid said the result was surprising and that such assessments could lead to more electricity generation and higher municipal revenues.

The left‑wing Red Party (Rødt) opposes the proposed assessment duty, arguing that municipalities already possess sufficient knowledge and that the measure would undermine local self‑rule and make it harder to block unwanted projects early. Red Party MP Geir Jørgensen warned that wind‑power development has caused extensive damage to valuable nature and called for a halt to new projects. Municipalities retain veto rights over wind‑power developments, and industry players such as Statkraft have recently warned of a need for increased power capacity, a view echoed by several politicians.