The ongoing debate about nuclear power in Norway presents a skewed understanding of the nation's energy situation, as many participants act as if Norway has an overabundance of electricity. In reality, the country faces significant power production limitations, much like the restrictions experienced during the car rationing system of the 1960s. The state, which previously controlled car distribution, now similarly regulates electricity allocations and prices, leading to a stagnation in new energy production despite increasing demands and government ambitions for greater energy consumption.

The piece emphasizes that the current Norwegian electricity market closely resembles the prior vehicle market; the government determines who gets electricity, the pricing, and the overall energy availability through various constraints and licensing issues. This has resulted in a backlog of energy applications that equates to tens of terawatt-hours, which translate into lost opportunities for growth. As the consumption continues to rise, the discrepancies between energy supply and demand become increasingly pronounced, creating a precarious situation for the future energy landscape in Norway.

Additionally, the article argues that the prevalent question regarding which energy source is the cheapest is misplaced. Although Norway's hydroelectric power is cost-effective, the real concern should be about market willingness to pay for different energy sources. The government's appointed commissions have proven inadequate to address these questions and are hampered by regulatory limitations that fail to reflect the current energy landscape adequately. This highlights a dire need for a more flexible and responsive approach to energy policy that aligns with both consumption trends and production capabilities.