Sametinget appeals Oslo court ruling on Melkøya power transition

The Sami Parliament is set to present its appeal to the Borgarting Court of Appeal regarding the state's approval of full electrification of the Melkøya gas processing complex. Having been defeated in the Oslo District Court last year, the parliament argues that the Energy Ministry failed to meet mandatory consultation requirements and did not conduct a proper impact study. The hearing is scheduled for a week in September, with the court allocating time through Friday.

Sami Parliament President Silje Karine Muotka will address the court on behalf of the plaintiffs. The ministry will respond through senior officials, maintaining that no procedural fault occurred and that any alleged errors would not affect the decision. The case centers on the broader debate over shifting the plant’s power supply from on-site gas generation to mainland electricity to cut emissions.