In today's energy-demanding world, Vestfold, like many other regions, faces a critical challenge: power shortage. This is not just a future scenario; it's a current reality that demands immediate action. With virtually no own power production and a maxed-out grid capacity, the county is at serious risk of stalling its economic development. As county mayor Anne Strømøy puts it, Vestfold and Telemark are heading towards a power deficit not in the future, but now.

Fighting power shortages: A current priority for Vestfold

But how can we counteract this looming crisis? Firstly, it's essential to recognize the immense values that lie in the surplus capacity of individual businesses. Many companies have unused power potential or the potential for energy optimization. This opens up a treasure trove of opportunities, not just to reduce costs but also to contribute to a more sustainable future.

An effective approach is to conduct a power and energy mapping. This mapping, potentially organized by the county council, will reveal how much power and grid capacity can actually be made available. With support from Enova, covering up to 50% of the costs, this is an attractive opportunity for both building owners and tenants.

A unique opportunity

Vestfold, known for its entrepreneurial culture and many start-ups, faces a unique opportunity to grow and develop, but only if the necessary power is available. Therefore, it is essential that both public and private enterprises work together to find creative solutions. This includes not only saving energy but also investing in local, renewable energy sources like solar and wind. In this context, the county mayor's warning about persistent high electricity prices and job losses stands as a serious reminder of what's at stake. To avoid a situation where economic development comes to a halt, there must be a focus on replacing fossil energy with renewable and zero-emission solutions. This is not only vital for saving today's jobs but also for ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for the county.

The way forward

Vestfold's path forward requires a collective effort and a creative approach. With the right focus and actions, we can both combat power shortages and contribute to Norway's overall climate goals. This situation is a wake-up call and an opportunity for Vestfold to lead in the transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. With Sastech, you gain insights and information on how technology and smart solutions can contribute to this fight, where we continuously explore and discuss innovative approaches to these challenges.