As EnergyWatch has previously reported, conversations between Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (OED), reindeer herders, Sametinget and companies Aneo and Fosen were organized during the fall due to the ministry’s proposal of launching an investigation plan on how the strife could be resolved.

In December, the two indigenous rights groups, Nord-Fosen siida og Sametinget motioned for new hearings. 

In a comment to news outlet Vårt Land, Jon-Andreas Lange from law firm Dalan describes the OED consultancies like ”speaking to a brick wall.” According to the article, Lange believes threats from the turbine developers are the reason for what he deems a ”complete do-over” from the ministry. Lange is legal aide to Nord-Fosen siida.

Eirik Brønner, attorney for Sør-Fosen, agrees that the preliminary consultations have failed in finding solutions on the matter. Representatives from Aneo and Fosen Vind previously told EnergyWatch of their plans to keep major onshore wind farms Roan and Storheia running.

Fosen Vind Press Liaison Geir Fuglseth tells Vårt Land that the potential impacts that could result from Oslo deciding to take down the turbines ”haven’t been of top interest.”

”We will look into it all if and when we must. Now the ministry is working on which precautionary measures are needed to sustain reindeer herding and its cultural practice,” he says.

(This article was provided by our Norwegian sister media, EnergyWatch.no)