Norway’s Port Flam will offer locally produced hydropower to cruise ships after being granted NOK 27 million (EUR 2,53 million / USD 2,8 million) by ENOVA (2001-founded, Norwegian Government enterprise). The project includes laying of an underwater cable from Aurland's hydropower station directly to Flam and will cost NOK 83 million (EUR 7,77 M / USD 12,5 M).
The application to ENOVA was prepared via the collaboration with the cruise shipping industry, local energy supplier and Norwegian stakeholders.
Port Flam's director Mikkel Tokvam commented:
"Now we need to find a balance when it comes to the onshore power facility and the opportunities it gives us. It is important to find a future-oriented strategy that benefits public health and the environment in the world-heritage fjords while safeguarding the foundation of creating value locally.”
Via offering shoreside power, the cruise port estimates that emissions from passenger ships will be reduced by 75%. The project is expected to create an additional supply of electricity to Flam, making it possible for the destination to make use of hydropower.