Editorial: Time to make wise choices
“Through 40 years of petroleum activity, our politicians have made wise choices that have made Norway into the world’s best country to live in. Over the next two years political decisions will be made that will set the course for Norway’s future as an energy nation. These decisions must be made on the basis of facts and a willingness to invest in the future.
By OLF’s Director General Per Terje Vold
“No one disputes that Norway and the rest of the world must invest in the development of alternative forms of energy. It is also an indisputable fact, however, that for the next few decades our world will depend on fossil energy sources. Millions of people around the globe are waiting in line to enjoy the good life that we in the West have taken for granted since World War II. As more and more people are getting to the front of the waiting line, the demand for energy rises – and most of it will have to come from fossil sources.
“It is also a fact that someone has to produce and supply the world with this energy. In this respect we in Norway have a definite responsibility. As the world’s cleanest producer of oil and gas, we have a responsibility to supply the markets with energy. Our gas will be able to replace coal-fired power in Europe, thus helping reduce the emissions on the Continent and in the UK.
“Every time a barrel of oil from Norway leaves the market to be replaced by a barrel from for example Russia, the CO2 emissions are multiplied two and a half times.
“At the same time, a strong and vigorous Norwegian oil industry is a must if Norway is to succeed in strengthening its position as an energy nation. It is sufficient to quote Mr. Arvid Hallén, director general of the Research Council of Norway: «The knowledge we acquire for the petroleum industry is an important foundation for the development of renewable forms of energy».
“What will we gain and what will we lose by putting an active and future-oriented petroleum industry lower down on our list of priorities? That is the question the decision-makers must bear in mind.
“In the course of 40 years the industry has contributed NOK 6000 billion to the state coffers, it employs – directly and indirectly – more than 220 000 people, and at present it provides one third of all the state revenues.
“I hope and trust that today’s politicians will make as wise choices as their predecessors did.
“My appeal is clear:
“By all means have high ambitions for the environment, but please don’t close the door on the future”
Norsk versjon
