OSLO Norway — After nearly two years of deliberation the official panel on nuclear energy delivered its verdict on Thursday: Norway should not pursue expansion of nuclear power. The Kjernekraftutvalget committee presented its findings to the Ministry of Energy, concluding that nuclear power does not align with the country’s energy priorities or economic feasibility. The report emphasized that Norway’s existing hydropower dominance and renewable energy investments already position it as a leader in clean energy production.
The committee cited several factors in its recommendation. First was the high cost of constructing new nuclear plants in Norway’s challenging terrain and regulatory environment. Second was the long timeline required for licensing and construction, which conflicts with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. Third was the lack of public and political support for nuclear power, as reflected in recent opinion surveys and parliamentary debates.
Energy Minister Terje Aasland accepted the report without immediate comment but acknowledged the government’s commitment to renewable energy. “Norway’s energy future is built on water, wind, and solar,” Aasland stated. “We will continue to invest in these sectors while monitoring technological developments in nuclear energy.”
The decision ends years of speculation about whether Norway might reconsider its long-standing opposition to nuclear power. Since the 1970s the country has maintained a strict no-nuclear policy, shutting down early research programs and opposing nuclear plants in neighboring countries. The Kjernekraftutvalget report now formally closes that door for the foreseeable future.
Industry analysts say the move reinforces Norway’s role as a global leader in renewable energy. It also aligns with the nation’s strict environmental standards and its reliance on hydroelectric power, which supplies over 90 percent of domestic electricity. Environmental groups welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward greater sustainability and energy independence.
Source: tu.no