BKW responded
In its judgement of October 2021, the Norwegian Supreme Court concluded that the permit for Storheia and Roan wind farms would violate the international human rights of Sami reindeer herders unless satisfactory mitigation measures are taken. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) as the responsible Norwegian ministry has initiated a research-based process with a planned impact assessment programme to clarify whether and what mitigation measures can be taken.
On 2 March 2023, the MPE announced that it will accelerate this process.
BKW welcomes this as sustainability plays a central role in BKW's strategy: BKW has been participating in the United Nations Global Compact since February 2021. In the same year, BKW included a commitment to respect human rights in its Code of Conduct.
As a minority investor, BKW indirectly holds 11 percent of the Roan and Fosen wind farms. BKW believes that joint efforts by all parties involved are necessary to find constructive solutions. BKW is making its contribution to this on an ongoing basis.
By the way, we would like to point out that the Supreme Court of Norway has not demanded that the Storheia and Roan wind farms be demolished. In January 2022, the Supreme Court judge in charge, Toril Øie, commented on the Fosen ruling during a press conference: According to this, the Supreme Court never said that the wind turbines in Roan Vind and Storheia must or will be demolished. Judge Øie also said that the Supreme Court only dealt with the issue of compensation and that the judgment says nothing about what should happen to the wind turbines (see attached article).
