Against the current: Interconnectors, public opposition and the energy trilemma

Electricity interconnectors play a key role in integrating renewable energy and enhancing the stability of electricity markets, and are often projected to deliver net welfare gains. Yet these infrastructures can also trigger strong public opposition, raising questions about their political feasibility. This paper presents the first nationally representative, quantitative assessment of public attitudes toward international interconnectors and their perceived impacts. The analysis focuses on Norway, a country that has recently expanded its interconnector capacity and where the issue has sparked substantial public debate. Based on original survey data from 2024 (n = 1936), we find that 60 % of respondents oppose the construction of new interconnectors. Opposition is primarily related to concerns about rising electricity prices and resource nationalist attitudes. In contrast, support is strongest among those who believe interconnectors enhance the stability of supply and prices in Norway, increase public revenues, and support broader goals of electricity sharing with Europe. These findings underscore the role of both material concerns and political values, particularly around national control over energy resources, in shaping public opinion. The study contributes to a broader understanding of the trade-offs and tensions surrounding transnational energy infrastructure. It underscores the need to address both economic and energy sovereignty-related concerns in future policy design.