When new installations are to be constructed, biologists have the important task of mapping how animals and plants live and move around within the potential development areas. In the same way, specialist reports are prepared on themes such as outdoor recreation, cultural relics, agriculture, etc.

In connection with the planning of new power lines, biodiversity is one of the themes that are given particular emphasis. Before Statnett applies for a licence to construct such lines, assessments are carried out to identify the potential impact on biodiversity in order to clarify issues that we must be particularly aware of and  in order to give recommendations with regard to possible alternative routes.

During the construction phase, we prepare environmental and transport plans which describe how we will access the terrain, the areas/species that are particularly vulnerable and the way in which we will rectify any damage after the construction work has been completed.

Important environmental information is obtained at an early stage in the planning process from various bodies: municipal authorities, county councils, directorates and private bodies. As part of the licence application process, technical reports are prepared on various themes, including biodiversity. These reports describe everything from important biotopes, nesting places for rare birds, migration routes for elk and important wetland areas. The results are compared with the various possible alternative routes. There are many considerations to take into account and the various themed reports (outdoor recreation, cultural relics, agriculture, etc.) could give contradictory recommendations.

Once  the route has been determined, an environmental and transport plan is prepared which describes how Statnett will access the area, where materials will be stored and where machinery will be allowed to go and where it will not be allowed to go. The plan also describes when vehicular access to different areas is permitted and when it is not. In this way, we try to adapt construction works to the needs of nesting birds, reindeer in the area, vulnerable wetland areas and other important biotopes.

Over the years, Statnett has commissioned or carried out many R&D projects which have looked at the relationship between power lines and biodiversity. Birds and reindeer have generally been given the greatest attention, but in recent years lichen, mushrooms and insects along power line routes have also been studied. In addition, Statnett has considered the possibility of using goats as forest clearers along the route, an approach which we are also considering extending to deer for example.