By
Alex Smith |
Norway’s Port of Flam is to offer locally produced hydropower to cruise ships after it was granted NOK 27 million (US$2.79 million) by ENOVA, a company owned by the Norwegian government.
The project will include the laying of an underwater cable directly from the hydro power station in Aurland to Flåm and will cost a total of NOK 83 million (US$12.5 million). The application to ENOVA was prepared in collaboration with local stakeholders, the cruise industry and the local energy supplier.
“This was big and important news for us,” said Tor Mikkel Tokvam, port director of the Port of Flåm. “This shows that we are ready for a changeover. Now we need to find a balance when it comes to the onshore power facility and the opportunities it gives us. It is important to find a future-oriented strategy that benefits public health and the environment in the world-heritage fjords while safeguarding the foundation of creating value locally.”
By offering onshore power, the port estimates that emissions from cruise ships will be reduced by 75 per cent. The project will also create an additional supply of electricity to Flåm, making it possible for the entire destination to make use of hydropower.