The Armed Forces are not getting power: - I expect this will be resolved
Norway's defense sector is facing power supply issues as Ramsund Naval Station is denied electricity by Statnett, leading to calls for prioritization of military-related energy access.
The Norwegian Armed Forces are currently dealing with a energy supply challenge at Ramsund naval station, which is set to be a critical base for the country's new submarines. An article from E24 reported that Statnett, the state-owned power grid operator, has denied electricity to Ramsund. This situation raises concerns about the adequacy of energy supply for national defense and could hinder operational readiness. Additionally, Nammo, an ammunition manufacturer, has previously called for increased power supply to boost production at Raufoss, indicating broader implications for Norway's defense industry and related sectors.
In response to the power supply issues, several political parties in the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) are urging the government to ensure that defense installations like Ramsund naval station are given priority in the energy queue. This has led to a formal inquiry from the Progress Party (Frp) regarding the matter. Norway’s Energy Minister Terje Aasland expressed optimism that solutions will be found through dialogue between Statnett and regional network companies. He also highlighted the government’s upcoming proposal to prioritize national security interests for energy connections when necessary.
To address these issues, the government has proposed new regulations that focus on prioritizing defense-related energy access and the proposal has been open for public consultation. A final proposal detailing how national security interests can be given precedence in energy access is expected to be presented to the Storting soon, indicating a proactive approach by the government to safeguard critical defense capabilities amid growing energy supply challenges.