Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA)
2016
Background and summary:
In the summer of 2014 14 authors, many members of the Academy, began writing a textbook on energy production, technology and climate challenges. NTVA president Eivind Hiis Hauge was the leader of the editorial staff. The book marked the 60th anniversary of the Academy's founding in Trondheim.
It consists of 11 chapters, in which the authors address energy-related problems based on expertise in their own professional fields. Their challenge was to be concise, preferably with sharp conclusions and recommendations to decision-makers. The authors are themselves responsible for the presentations in and conclusions of their chapters. The book is not a compendium of consensus within the Academy.
The book focuses on the technical aspects of the fields of energy and climate. But political guidance is decisive for further developments. Nine chapters on technologies are framed between an introductory chapter and a final chapter slanted toward the social and political sciences.
The fields of responsibility covered in the book are complex. Nonetheless there are some principal conclusions:
- A holistic perspective is essential to achieving goals in the versatile field of energy and climate.
- It isn’t a lack of fossil resources that will bring the age of fossil fuels to an end. But a shift away from fossil resources probably will take a long time.
- A climate-friendly society requires a high degree of electrification.
- Apparently the Norwegian power grid need not be further developed to meet domestic needs. However, energy surpluses may be used for efficient, less polluting industrial production. By exchanging energy Norway can contribute to reducing emissions from other Nordic countries and from northern Europe.
- The transport sector has an obvious potential for reducing its emissions. Norway has been a leading country in introducing electric cars. Maintaining this pioneer role requires a balanced, broad development of the incentive structure.
On 21st October, the online version of the leading Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten featured a long review of the book. The newspaper Adresseavisen also published commentary based on the book. Review copies of the book were sents to many members of the Press as well as to Members of Parliament on the Energy and Environment Committee, the Research and Education Committee, and the Committee on Business and Industry. The book also was presented at a Ministry of Climate and Environment meeting.
With time the book has become well known. Reader reactions have been very positive.
Contact: Lars Thomas Dyrhaug
