Press release: Innovative energy solutions for future destinations (English)
8.3.2023 10:18:29 CET | The Bellona Foundation
A new report shows that large amounts of CO2 emissions from Norwegian tourism destinations can be cut annually. In Flåm alone, the project believes that as much as 12,000 tonnes of CO2 can be cut annually.
– “You have to look at the whole destination as one and create a comprehensive package of measures from sea to land that includes all tourism activity, not just cruise traffic”,
-Tor Mikkel Tokvam, Port Director, Flåm Port
Mayor of Aurland, Trygve Skjerdal proudly displays the report on the innovative energy solution.
From left, Tor Mikkel Tokvam from The Port of Flåm, Tale Marie Astad Paulshus from Hafslund, Arve Tokvam from Norway's best, David Underdal, deputy mayor in Aurland
Photo: Odd Mehus, NTB
The report, which is supported by Enova, has been drawn up by The Port of Flåm and Hafslund, in collaboration with the Bellona Foundation, Norway`s best, Sygnir, and Ocean Highway Cluster and outlines viable solutions for future tourism.
The background for the collaboration is the Parliament decision from 2018 which requires zero emissions of greenhouse gases for passenger ships in the world heritage fjords from 1 January 2026.The conclusion of the report is that 30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions can be cut annually by establishing a complete energy system at the tourist destination Flåm, where the residual capacity from onshore power plants is used to electrify transport across sectors and technology. –
“Such ambitions and willingness to act must be supported and encouraged. If we are to take care of the world heritage fjords for future generations, urgent measures must be taken, and now Flåm is showing that they want just that”,
- Sigurd Enge, senior advisor, Bellona.
He believes that this report is a good recipe for sustainable tourism for other tourism destinations. The concept that has been elaborated is based on seeing the entire destination as one.
– “It will result in greater emissions cuts than if you only look at ship traffic, because a sustainable solution for cruise ships is only a small part of the whole. Shore power is the key.
- Sigurd Enge, senior advisor, Bellona.
“If we think holistically, we can utilize residual capacity from onshore power plants to electrify transport across sectors and technology and ensure a real leap towards a fully electrified society. Those behind the solution cover the entire value chain, which provides integrity and guarantees realism and quality in the solutions”
-Tor Mikkel Tokvam, Port Director, Flåm Port
A display window
The large local tourism operator Norway's best has also participated in the project.
- “We have ambitions to include both sea and land when developing sustainable solutions for future tourism. The important thing is what can be achieved from overall reductions in emissions, not whether they come at sea or land, or whether they are a hair's breadth inside or outside the world heritage boundary”,
-Arve Tokvam, head of communications and strategy at Norway's best AS.
- “The breadth of technological solutions that have been outlined shows that the work that has been done has great transfer value to other destinations”
-Tale Marie Paulshus, project manager, Hafslund.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has recently submitted a proposal for the establishment of regulations for zero emissions in the world heritage fjords from 2026. In anticipation of the technology for zero emissions being mature for larger ships, the Authority has outlined a transition solution based on biogas. Such a solution would mean a stop to cruises to Flåm after 2026.
- “The plans we have now outlined are dependent on us getting an increased power supply to Flåm in place and establishing an onshore power supply. But without cruise traffic, no inland traffic or investment capacity, and without the two key factors, this innovative project cannot be realized. Shore power is decisive. Flåm as a destination wants to be first in the green transition, and not sit back on the cruise pier in Flåm while the politicians in Oslo adopt symbolic climate cuts”.
-Tor Mikkel Tokvam, Port Director, Flåm Port
The proposed package of measures is extensive:
• Shore power for larger ships
• Destination charging for passenger cars
• Mobile destination charging for passenger cars
• Fast charging for buses
• Joint use of fast charging for bus and heavy transport
• Joint power hub for local cruises
• Charging solution or hydrogen filling for RIB-vessels
• Charging solution for leisure boats
• Solar on existing roofs
• Solar system as parking shade
• Green measures - mitigating measures and conservation of natural diversity
About Flåm as a destination
Flåm, which is located in Aurland municipality, has over 25 years established itself as a beacon in Norwegian tourism, with Flåmsbana and the UNESCO site Nærøyfjord as the major attractions. Flåm also has the status of one of the most popular and well-functioning cruise ports in Europe. Today, Flåm appears as a year-round, healthy destination, with a wide selection of experiences, activities, accommodation and dining options. In 2019, tourism in Aurland generated revenue of more than NOK 1 billion, which accounts for 70% of the total revenue in business in the municipality. The strategic investment in tourism has created hundreds of year-round jobs in this industry in recent years, and has provided fertile ground for the budding of many new businesses. Continuous investments have also been made in increasing quality and new products and experiences. Not least, it has shown both the ability and willingness to bet and invest in innovative and sustainable transport solutions, e.g. zero-emission sightseeing vessel on the fjord.