A partial agreement has been reached between Sámi reindeer herders and Norway regarding the Fosen wind farm, Europe’s largest onshore wind power project located in Central Norway. This marks the closure of a more than 20-year conflict over the wind turbines.
In October 2021, Norway’s Supreme Court ruled that the Fosen wind farm violated the Sámi’s human rights, leading to multiple demonstrations in Oslo, the nation’s capital. The latest demonstration marked the two-year anniversary of the ruling and highlighted Norway’s refusal to take on the case, which resulted in significant protests. The Sámi youth eventually met with King Harald V of Norway in a final effort to seek support.
The recent agreement covers reindeer herders to the south of the Fosen wind farm. For the siidas to the south of Fosen, Statskraft will pay 7 million Norwegian crowns ($674,211) each year for 25 years, the expected lifespan of the wind turbines. The wind farm will continue operating during this time. Additionally, the Norwegian government will help reindeer herders use additional winter grazing areas near the Fosen reindeer-herding district by the winter of 2026.
No agreement has been made with the impacted siida north of Fosen, which has continued to demand the demolition of more than 40 wind turbines owned by a different company, Aneo — a Norwegian renewables group.
Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Aasland, has expressed his hope that the recent agreement will enable new generations to continue reindeer herding in the area. Around 98 percent of electricity in Norway comes from renewable resources, and the Fosen wind park produces enough energy to power the nearby city of Trondheim, population 220,000. However, it remains to be seen if the best solution for all parties will be to reach an amicable agreement.
Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include comment from Aneo and Roan Vind.
