#762 - Jonas Nøland | Kampen mot kjernekraft, Trenering, Havvind, Fornybar Norge, Statkraft

·1 hr 44 min·5 clips

Jonas Nøland predicted the nuclear power committee's conclusion hours before its release, calling it a predictable 'show for the gallery'.

The episode begins with advertisements for Comfy Balls and Vigro Vital before transitioning to the main interview. Host Wolfgang Wee and guest Jonas Nøland immediately discuss a recent debate on nuclear power involving Ola Borten Moe and Bård Vegard Solhjel. Nøland notes the predictable nature of the nuclear power committee's report, which he accurately forecasted. He explains the committee's composition, including Kristin Halvorsen's dual role leading the review while holding a Statkraft board position, raising conflict of interest concerns. The discussion delves into how nuclear power threatens existing energy interests by stabilizing electricity prices, reducing the profit potential from price spikes that benefit hydropower and wind investors. Nøland describes facing organized opposition to his research showing nuclear power lowers prices, including social media campaigns and academic pressure. They examine the historical roots of anti-nuclear sentiment in environmental movements, tracing it to 1970s oil industry-funded propaganda. The conversation covers the financial dynamics of wind power subsidies, the role of international actors, and the potential for private Norwegian companies like Norsk Kjernekraft AS to develop nuclear energy without public subsidies. Nøland contrasts Norway's current short-term thinking with past long-term infrastructure projects, arguing for nuclear power as a future-oriented solution. They discuss technological advancements in nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and thorium, and how Norway's oil and gas expertise could transfer to this sector. The episode concludes by questioning why Norway isn't pursuing nuclear energy more aggressively given its potential benefits for energy security and industrial competitiveness.

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