2025-01-28
4 分钟The Economist Hello, this is Alok Jha,
host of Babbage, our weekly podcast on science and technology.
Welcome to Editor's Picks.
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Norwegian politicians have had a shock.
Wholesale power prices have been spiking as wind-powered neighbours rush to import Norwegian electricity when the normally blustering North Sea turns calm.
The big political parties are suddenly souring on the idea that Norway should export ever more of its abundant hydropower.
Several want some of the cables carrying electricity abroad to be switched off.
The Progress Party, which is leading in the polls,
also wants to increase already generous subsidies for household bills.
One way or another, in the name of reducing domestic prices,
exports seem likely to be curbed after elections later this year.
Norway would be shooting or zapping itself in the foot.
Its transmission links to nearby countries are good for it, Europe and the planet.
International cables make electricity cheaper, greener and more reliable.
Around the world less than 3% of all power crosses a border.
Some countries, such as Bangladesh and Singapore, are trying to import more.
Most others should do the same.
Connecting up grids brings a host of benefits.