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CenSES annual report 2011
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An example of such facilitation is the possibility to
handle situations with very low electricity prices
due to overflow of intermittent energy. We investi-
gate how to balance the highly fluctuating energy
production from non-dispatchable energy pro-
duction in wind parks, both by offering short-term
storage of gas in Norway´s pipeline system and by
hydro pumping importing electricty from the wind
parks.
It is of high interest to study how these flexibility
services interact with the rest of the energy system
and affects society. For example how it will influence
Norwegian value creation from energy intensive in-
dustry, how it will affect energy prices and how it
will affect the environment. All these issues should
be considered when plans for flexibility studies are
discussed.
Andreas Enge (Enova) and Vivian Lagesen (NTNU) at the user conference in Trondheim in September. Photo: A. Tomasgard
Lasse Torgersen (Hydro) presents analysis of the future Norwegian
energy situation. Photo: A. Tomasgard
The main idea for this user case is to provide an
overview of policy instruments that have been
used to promote energy efficiency in Norway.
The main focus has been on buildings and house-
holds; however, some efforts have been put into
addressing industry as well. A first outline of the
user case was presented at a seminar organized by
Innovation Norway on October 31. The user case
will begin by outlining how energy efficiency has
been understood in the Norwegian context, and
what political instruments that has been employed
to support energy efficiency and with what ef-
fects. A main focus of the report is why not more
has been achieved. Four challenges to effective
policies for energy efficiency will be discussed:
1. The importance of comfort and convenience
2. The paradoxical ethos of energy efficiency
among the public
3. The lack of understanding of the importance of
enthusiasts, which is a policy-making flaw
4. The “Bermuda triangle” of energy efficiency,
which includes:
• Lack of demand for energy efficiency. Ac-
tors who want to build as cheaply as possible
dominate
• Passive public regulation. Preference for infor-
mation and economic incentives
• Conservative culture in the building industry
with reuse rather than innovation
Energy efficiency improvements: Missing in action?