Is Norway Saying Goodbye - Or "Ha Det" - to Petrol?

One minute its encouraging its citizens to buy diesel cars, the next it’s toying with the idea of a national petrol ban. So, what is Norway’s stance on fossil fuels?

Despite the fact that Norway’s economy is heavily reliant on its petroleum industry, the latest intel confirms that Norway could “completely ban petrol powered cars by 2025.” It’s part of the government’s plan to slash vehicle emissions, and pioneer Europe’s shift towards green energy. Vetoing the sale of petrol powered cars is top of the agenda, and could potentially become a reality within the next decade.

Norway wins praise from eco advocates

Environmentalists have hailed the country for taking on the enormous task, and crystallising its status as one of the most ecologically progressive countries in the world. Praise has come from far and wide, with Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk commending Norway for its efforts.

"Just heard that Norway will ban new sales of fuel cars in 2025," he wrote. "What an amazingly awesome country. You guys rock!!".

A joint effort from Norway’s political parties

The nation is currently ruled by four parties, using a system of proportional representation. Already, leaders from both sides of Norway’s political spectrum have come together and agreed that by 2025, 100% of the country’s cars should run on green energy.

The plan was first leaked by Norwegian newspaper Dagens Naeringsliv, which published a controversial headline reading: “FRP will remove all gasoline cars." It references the populist right-wing Progress Party, locally known as Framstegspartiet.

Both the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party have verified the report, with the FRP commenting that the plan is still being considered.

Norway’s ambitious ‘green energy’ goals

If the plan does gain momentum, it will mark a major environmental milestone for Norway. It will build on its plans to commit to a zero-deforestation economy, and support the introduction of a new climate tax on electricity. Furthermore, the petrol ban will back up its pledge to triple its wind capacity power by 2020, by investing a huge US$3 billion in the sector.

While Norway is pioneering Europe’s green energy movement, other countries aren’t sitting dormant. ‘How to Pave the Way for Easier Bitumen Analysis’ introduces the I.M.U institution, operated by Austria’s Schwechat refinery. As an independent testing laboratory and consulting office, it specialises in petrochemical and environmental analysis. Ultimately, the goal is to maximise efficiency, and minimise environmental impact.