Environment

Recent Wars Tremors into the Arctic

By Chelsea Harvey, E&E News on March 14, 2022

icebergs

Diplomatic tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are affecting the farthest reaches of the Northern Hemisphere.

Seven of the Arctic Council’s eight members — all except Russia, which currently holds the council’s rotating chairmanship — have agreed to boycott future meetings.

The boycott, announced earlier this month by the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, indefinitely pauses council proceedings on issues from climate change to Arctic oil drilling.

“We remain convinced of the enduring value of the Arctic Council for circumpolar cooperation and reiterate our support for this institution and its work,” the seven nations said in a joint statement released March 3. “We hold a responsibility to the people of the Arctic, including the indigenous peoples, who contribute to and benefit from the important work undertaken in the Council.”

To read the full article: Click here

By James Cutright, ago

Norway Launches Major Wind Power Research Center

Norway News Published.

The Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Tina Bru, announced an investment of 120 million NOK (€11.3 million) in a new wind power research center in Norway. The NorthWind research centre will be at the cutting edge, working on innovations to make wind power cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable. One of the centre’s main priorities will be offshore wind research.

“Rapid growth in offshore wind power internationally offers great opportunities for Norwegian businesses. Research and development is crucial to secure lower costs, less environmental impact and improved operating models for such projects. I believe a longterm research centre with industry partners, the research community and the government will contribute to further development of offshore wind power in Norway,” said Tina Bru, Norway’s Petroleum and Energy Minister.

About NorthWind

NorthWind is financed by the Norwegian government through The Research Council of Norway. NorthWind is a Center for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME) and will be in operation from 2020 to 2028. The Centers for Environment-friendly Energy Research carry out long-term research targeted towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and social science aspects of energy research.

To read full article: Click here

By James Cutright, ago