The President of the Sami Parliament believes that Norway can make up for it in an inflamed wind power case
Sami Parliament President Silje Muotka believes Norway has the opportunity to make amends for violations of international law and violation of indigenous peoples’ rights at Fosen.
For years, the wind power plants on the coast of Trøndelag have created great dissatisfaction. The case was taken all the way to the Supreme Court, which last month concluded in favor of the Sami people – the development is contrary to the rights of indigenous peoples.
– There are several different governments that are responsible for mistakes that have occurred. But she is the first who can take responsibility for doing the right thing, says Sami Parliament President Silje Muotka to NRK on Minister of Petroleum and Energy Marte Mjøs Persen (Labor Party).
Difficult case
The recent minister has received a very demanding case in her lap, and on Friday she met reindeer herding Sami at Fosen who want to remove the turbines.
– They see no other solution to this – and I understand that is the starting point here – than that this should be removed and returned. And I have received that message, Mjøs Persen told NTB.
She describes the case as difficult and loves to prioritize it.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy once gave the final approval for the construction of the wind turbines at Fosen, which have a total of 151 wind turbines.
The entire wind power plant in the areas has a price tag of NOK 11 billion and produces annual electricity consumption for over 170,000 households.
Awarded compensation
In October, the Supreme Court ruled that the decisions and licenses granted were invalid and violated the Sami’s rights. The Sami were also awarded compensation of close to NOK 90 million.
– You can not violate human rights in Norway without consequences. As politicians, it is that sometimes we are in the situation that we have the opportunity to redo old injustice, to bring balance and do it right, Moutka says to NRK.
It is uncertain what will happen next, whether the turbines will be removed or whether an agreement will be reached between the developers and the Sami.
– It is a demanding situation for all parties. We recognize the ruling and that there is a violation of reindeer husbandry rights, and it is serious, says Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, Executive Vice President of Statkraft for wind and solar power in Europe and chairman of the board of Fosen Vind.