Incorporating wind power into the Norwegian energy system : an analysis of the ongoing controversy on the Havsul projects

Abstract

This thesis examines the ongoing controversy on the Havsul projects in the county of Møre and Romsdal, and aims to contribute to an understanding of why it has been difficult to incorporate wind power into the Norwegian energy system. In order to answer this question, the thesis adopts and combines the technological system approach with the theoretical and methodological insights from actor-network theory. By doing this, it ‘opens up’ the controversy and tries to make sense of who the actors are, and what strategies they employ to influence the political process.

The thesis argues that when the energy system tries to incorporate wind power, problems develop. In the wake of these problems, a scope of action is created where exogenous actors become able to challenge inner system logics. Through a debate on different conceptions of nature, these actors succeed in affecting the political process. Thereby, they challenge well-established system logics.

Keywords: Wind power, the Norwegian energy system, conceptualisations of nature, exogenous actors, scope of action, technological systems, actor-network theory.