How does Norway use electricity?

Norway has a cold climate, and a large part of its energy consumption is used for heating. The electricity grid enables electricity transport from producers to consumers, and connects Norway’s power system to other countries’ systems. The power market is an important tool for ensuring cost-efficient use of electricity resources.

What type of energy does Norway use?

Norway’s electricity generation is based on almost 100 per cent renewable energy. In 2023, it was based on 89 per cent hydropower and 9 per cent wind power. At the beginning of 2023, the power supply in Norway had a total installed production capacity of 39 703 MW.

How do power plants in Norway work?

Many power plants in Norway have storage reservoirs and production can therefore be adjusted within the constraints set by the licence and the watercourse itself. Wind and solar power are intermittent; electricity can only be generated when the energy is available.

How much solar power does Norway have?

Solar power had a total installed capacity of 299 MW, with over 90 per cent connected to the grid and primarily installed on rooftops for self-consumption (source: Electricity production - Norwegian Energy).

Does Norway have hydropower?

Hydropower accounts for most of the Norwegian power supply, and the resource base for production depends on the precipitation in a given year. This is a significant difference compared to the rest of Europe where security of supply is mainly secured through thermal power plants, with fuels available in the energy markets.

How does the Norwegian power system integrate with the other Nordic systems?

The Norwegian power system is closely integrated with the other Nordic systems, both in physical terms and through market integration. In turn, the Nordic market is integrated with the rest of Europe through cross-border interconnectors to the Netherlands, Germany, the Baltic states and Poland.