A regional energy paradox - the case of Central Norway

Central Norway is expected to have a gap of 8 TWh in 2010 because of heavy investments in electricity intensive industry. The region has two landing sites for natural gas and a considerable potential for wind power to cover the gap. Small-scale hydropower and upgrading of existing hydropower plants also constitute a regional energy potential. Paradoxically, the most realistic investment prospect seems to be extensive investments in new transmission lines to cover the electricity deficit. The aim of this paper is to present a problem of regional supply security and public intervention and discuss possible directions for improving regulators' practical authorisation tools.