I enjoyed my time at the Norsk Teknisk Museum; there was certainly a lot to see, learn, and do! I spent some time exploring the oil and gas exhibit they had. I did so already aware that oil and gas are important parts for Norway’s economy and how Norway is unique in having access to this resource in abundance compared to other European countries, but was interested in the science behind this important energy source and the history it has had in Norway. Oil was discovered in Norway’s waters around 1969 and has made an important impact on Norway. Oil and gas provides around 250,000 jobs and accounts for half the value of exports and a quarter of government revenue. There was an interesting animation demonstrating how oil and gas are actually formed from the decaying plants and plankton from some 500 million years ago, addition of clay/sediment, the addition of heat and pressure from the Earth, movement of tectonic plates, and the eventual extraction of the resource. I found it interesting how the first rigs were operated in Norway were by American companies and many supervisors were American with Norwegians holding subordinate jobs leading to a bit of conflict in what very much was a male-dominated workplace. Oil and gas are often viewed as dirty, polluting energy sources, but its presence in Norway provided an interesting contrast to my observations in how Norway appears much more environmentally conscious from the variety of examples and experiences we have all had ranging from the soda caps, wooden utensils, paper straws, and abundance of electric vehicles and public transit. The exhibit alluded to some of the environmental impacts of the oil industry like climate change and greater safety precautions that are in place today as well as the growth of renewables such as wind and solar, particularly in Germany which can replace a portion of imported energy supplies from Norway. Nonetheless, the exhibit on Norwegian oil and gas demonstrated the importance of this resource for Norway (especially economically) despite initial observations and experiences in our everyday interactions that are more environmentally conscious.
-Michael Beadle
Michael, I also found it interesting that oil and gas have such profound impacts on Norway despite the nation's seeming commitment to green programs. I wonder how they justify these seemingly counterpoint ideas.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Jacob that it is incredible that Norway is so environmentally conscious, but still depends heavily on oil for jobs. Also, I loved that you put so much extra information in about what you learned in that section because I didn't spend much time there and now got to learn more about their business. I also found it interesting that you said you were aware of their oil market before visiting the museum, because I totally didn't realize just how big that market is in Norway before visiting!
ReplyDelete-Kaitlynn Fisher
Alex: Hey Micheal, you retained a lot from the exhibits at the Teknisk museum! I learned a lot from your post. I find it particularly interesting how yeah, Norway has gained a lot from the oil trade and continues to prosper on oil related industries, but also it has a profound commitment to Green Energy as well. This seems paradoxical, so it's interesting to see how these conflicting interests will find compromise in the future. Actually seeing what Norway is like, I'm excited to see how Norway advances its industries in the future!
ReplyDeleteI also found the level of sustainable energy really wild, especially when they simultaneously recognized the need for fossil fuels. The paper straws were great, the incrediblly small amount of plastics they used was an eye opener, and the real lack of the American style "throw napkins in with everything everywhere". I find their willingness to accept partial solutions great as well, as their ferries were (I think at least) partially electric and partially diesel, as they charged at the docks but also had big diesel exhausts out the rear.
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