The government forwards a strategy for green competitiveness

- We will reduce emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030. At the same time, we will create new jobs and ensure Norwegian value creation and welfare. The strategy for green competitiveness sets the direction for this change, says Minister of Climate and Environment, Vidar Helgesen.

The strategy defines seven principles for green competitiveness. These are principles that will form the basis for future policies. The first principle is that the authorities should provide predictable framework conditions and be driving forces in the work for the transition to a low-emission society.

Through public procurement, the state will contribute to the use and development of new environment- and climate-friendly technologies, products and solutions.

There will be a targeted focus on climate and environment, publicly funded research, innovation and technology development.

It will be easier for consumers, business and investors to have the necessary information in order to choose green solutions and products, and green competitiveness must be built on well-functioning markets.

The strategy also emphasizes the principle that the polluter pays. Pricing emissions will stimulate the development of new environmental technologies.

- The Government's strategy provides a comprehensive policy for green competitiveness. It provides the basis for business and industry throughout the country to take advantage of the opportunities that lie in the green shift, says Minister of Climate and Environment, Vidar Helgesen.

Norway is already ahead in the development of green competitiveness in several areas. The Government's commitment to electric ferries has led to value creation and innovation in the business community along the coast. Several international battery manufacturers in the maritime sector now have production in Norway.

New technology also increases the opportunities for growth in the aquaculture industry, and in Norwegian renewable energy resources. The Government's active policies also provide opportunities for the establishment of green data centers.

Physical climate change and lower demand for oil and gas can also create challenges for the Norwegian economy. Therefore, as part of the Green Competitiveness Strategy, the Government has set up an Expert Committee to identify expected important global climate-related risk factors and assess their importance for the Norwegian economy and its financial stability.

The strategy is the Government's follow-up of the recommendations of the Green Competitiveness Committee, which delivered its report last autumn.

Good cooperation with the business sector will be crucial in order to follow up the strategy for green competitiveness. The Government will therefore build upon the dynamics created by the work of the industry's own road map for green competitiveness.

Among other things, a new strategy forum for the processing industry, Prosess21, will be established. Furthermore, the Government's own climate council will continue to be a permanent meeting place for strategic discussions with industry on the transition to the low-emission society.

- The green shift provides opportunities for growth in new industries. The strategy for green competitiveness shows the way towards a zero-emission society, not a zero-growth society, says Vidar Helgesen.

Read the strategy (Norwegian only)