How can Norway expand its energy system while protecting nature? The HARMONY project studies how the low-carbon transition can be planned in ways that minimise impacts on ecosystems. By combining energy system analysis, ecology and political science, the project will identify trade-offs and develop tools for planning energy infrastructure with lower nature impacts.
The transition to a low-carbon energy system requires new infrastructure such as wind power, solar parks and grid expansion. At the same time, these developments can put pressure on nature and ecosystems. HARMONY examines how Norway’s energy transition can be planned in ways that balance climate goals with the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
The project integrates research on energy systems, ecological impacts and policy frameworks. Using indicators aligned with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA), HARMONY will assess how different energy system pathways affect land use and ecosystems across Norway.
The project will also develop tools to identify trade-offs between climate mitigation and nature protection. These tools aim to support decision-makers in planning energy infrastructure in ways that minimise overall nature impacts while remaining politically feasible.
Researchers from the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) collaborate in the project, together with partners from the energy sector, government authorities and civil society organisations.
FNI’s role in the project
The Fridtjof Nansen Institute leads the work package on policy frameworks. Researchers will analyse how Norwegian and European laws, strategies and governance structures influence the ability to integrate nature considerations into energy development.
The research focuses on identifying regulatory barriers and opportunities for better coordination between climate, energy and nature policies, and assessing which policy options are politically feasible in the Norwegian energy transition.
Project period: 2026-2029
