How to balance intermittent energy and energy security

“Denmark leads the world with the highest percentage of intermittent energy in their energy mix, while also leading the world in energy security of supply. We should study and emulate Denmark,” says Haakon Leknes, Head of Customer Success at Insight by Volue.

Leknes was a keynote speaker at a Volue event during Arendalsuka. His talk on energy mix and energy security was titled Look to Denmark.

“It all started with the 1973 oil crisis, after which Denmark decided to become less dependent on energy import. Since then, Denmark has built its position as a world leader in wind power,  adding solar while reducing thermal power to the energy mix and securing stabile supply of energy via multiple interconnectors to neighbouring countries. Denmark also utilizes all energy markets,” said Leknes.

Denmark is ranked as the top country in World Energy Council’s annual Trilemma Index Report based on scores for energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability. Norway is ranked  11th – scoring relatively low on energy security because of the heavy reliance on hydro power.
“To improve our ranking, we need to include more energy sources in our mix, and build more interconnectors,” said Leknes.

“If the Norwegian government wants to reduce the impact of European prices to Norway without cutting cables, they can reduce interconnector capacity to i.e. 70 per cent in the spotmarket and give the remaining capacity to the Intraday Market or the TSO balancing markets.  
The Norwegian energy mix will change in years to come, but it is hard to predict how and how fast. Developments of onshore wind came to an abrupt halt a few years ago after widespread protests. Solar energy has been sidelined by the planned introduction of a fixed price for electricity, which is likely to make solar energy uncompetitive. Offshore wind is in its early stages and heavily dependent on subsidies, while nuclear power is a future solution that is gaining momentum.

“77 per cent of global energy investments is within renewables. This is driving down costs, especially for solar and onshore wind. If done right, it is possible to build more onshore wind in Norway,” commented Henrik Sætness, EVP Corporate Development at Statkraft, during a panel discussion at the event.

“We must become more energy efficient while developing all profitable power, regardless of the source,” said Ingvill Heskestad Mykland, EVP Market at Å Energi. 

“We should also invest in gas power plants with carbon capture and storage. We have the gas, the technology and the competence necessary to succeed,” said Christian Eriksen, Head of Policy and Research at Bellona.

“Nuclear power is the most climate-, environmental- and nature-friendly energy source. It will not take longer to build than most of the wind projects that are being planned today. To reach our targets we need nuclear power in the energy mix,” said Sunniva Rose, Chief Communications Officer at Norsk Kjernekraft.

“If Norway is to become self-sufficient and reach its climate goals, only floating wind and nuclear really matters,” said Jonas Kristiansen Nøland, Professor at NTNU. 

“Regardless of the energy mix, we need more flexibility in the power system. Large-scale batteries will contribute to this,” said Pål Brun, co-founder & EVP Corporate Affairs at Morrow Batteries – adding: “We want to build this in Norway because we can’t rely only on China.”

A final thought was shared by Eriksen from Bellona: “We all agree that we need more energy now. So, we need to get started! I fear that we will meet again in 2030 only to discuss why we haven’t done more,” said Eriksen.