Power lines are being built in Hardanger

The planned power line will cross one of Hardanger fjord side arms. For one place here from Granvin and over the fjord. PHOTO: MARTE CHRISTENSEN

The government has approved Statnett’s plans for a roughly 90 km long 420 kV power line in the air ranging from Sima to Samnanger. As compensation Hordaland County Council had conveyed 100 million kroner in additional transfers that are marked for the tourist industry.

Oil and Energy Minister Terje Riis-Johansen said he understood that the masts will intervene in the tourism industry and the government has allocated 100 million kroner to Hordaland County Council.

“The Government has had a thorough process where we have considered several alternatives. Submarine cable has been one of the options, but the academic councils showed that the best solution for providing the necessary security of supply is the development of a power line between Sima and Samnanger. A submarine cable will, in part, be very time consuming to repair any fualts, and will be a more risky solution in terms of supply” said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Conservation League in Bergen says the development will do great harm to nature and landscape of Hardanger.

“We are very disappointed” said Espen Edvardsen, county manager at the Conservation Association in Hordaland to bt.no .

Source:Stavanger Avisen

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