UiB Researchers Discuss Energy in Japan

Japan-Norway Energy Science Week 2015 was held in Tokyo on 27 and 28 May, with 80 participants from Norway and nearly 300 from Japan.

Professor Sigrid Eskeland Schütz from the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen, began on “Legal Aspects of renewable energy production in marine areas and coastal zones”.

She gave an introduction of the participants and processes in energy development on land and in the coastal zone, compared with the regulations at sea.

When asked what she is left with after the meeting and discussion with Japanese energy researchers, Schütz said:

“Japan is exotic, but it is interesting to see that the issues and challenges are the same here in Japan and at home. We may have different perspectives and input into decisions and processes for energy development, but much seems equal.”

However, there are also differences that create surprising insights and unexpected contrasts between Norway and Japan, says Schütz.

“Here in Japan, it may seem as if fishermen almost have a veto on issues of development which may affect their business, either in coastal areas or offshore.“

Japanese developers and authorities, therefore, put great importance to discussions and negotiations with local communities and industry.

Such processes are time-consuming and can lead to significant changes or even cancelation of the projects. In Norway, the State far greater legal means to override the objections of such actors than what seems to be the case in Japan.

Ocean breeze and carbon management were other themes where Bergen attendees were specially active. Kristin Frøysa, Director of Norwegian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (NORCOWE), a research centre for environmentally friendly energy (FME), had a leading role in the many sea-breeze sessions.

Participants from Bergen perceived Japan-Norway Energy Science Week as very successful. The event was an excellent opportunity to meet and restore contact with Japanese researchers working on themes and issues that are central to research in Bergen.