Norway is known for many things, from its stunning fjords and beautiful landscapes to its rich cultural heritage. But more recently, the country has also been making waves in the energy sector. As the world seeks to transition to a more sustainable energy future, Norway is fast becoming the poster child for renewable energy. With its ample natural resources and ambitious national energy policies, this small Scandanavian country is poised to lead the way in the global fight against climate change.

The Future is Now

Norway has long relied on its significant renewable energy sources to power its cities and industries. The country’s hydro-electric power plants have been in operation for decades and are still going strong today. In the past few years, however, the Norwegian government has made substantial investments in other renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar systems.

Over the last decade, Norway has seen a dramatic increase in the production and use of these green technologies. In 2019, for example, renewable energy sources accounted for around 37% of the country’s electricity production. The government has set ambitious goals to increase this to 67% by 2020. In addition, it has committed to phasing out its domestic fossil fuel use by 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality for all its sectors by 2030.

Hydropower: A Source of Abundance

Since the early 20th century, Norway has relied upon its vast hydroelectric potential to meet its energy demands. This has made the country one of the world’s largest producers of hydroelectricity, with around 95% of its electricity production coming from hydropower.

Much of Norway’s hydropower capacity is concentrated in the south and west of the country, where the Fjords are found, making it ideal for utilizing the water’s energy potential. The country’s major hydropower plants, such as Borregaard and Kjelstad, have been in operation for many years and continue to meet a significant portion of Norway’s electricity needs.

Fulfilling the Wind Energy Potential

Though its hydroelectric power production is impressive, Norway also recognizes the potential of wind energy. The Norwegian government has been supporting the development of onshore and offshore wind farms in recent years, aiming to increase the energy production capacity of this renewable source.

In 2020, the country generated around 5,575 GWh of electricity from wind, more than double the previous year. The government has set ambitious goals to increase this to 11,000 GWh in 2022 and 20,000 GWh in 2030. In order to achieve these targets, Norway has invested in the development of new wind farms and in the use of advanced technologies to optimize wind energy production.

Solar Energy Takes Off

Complementing its wind and hydro services, Norway has also been developing its solar energy potential. In recent years, the government has encouraged households and businesses to invest in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, through generous subsidies and tax incentives. As a result, solar energy production has soared, accounting for more than 2,100 GWh of electricity in 2020.

Norway has instigated an ambitious plan to expand its solar energy capacity, with the goal of increasing the still modest 1,000MW of solar power currently installed to 5,000MW by 2030. The government is supporting the construction of large-scale solar parks and the implementation of advanced technologies, such as thin-film PV and solar tracking systems, to improve the efficiency of the solar plants.

Investing in the Future

Investing in renewable energy sources is not only critical for preventing climate change, it also makes economic sense. Norway’s renewable energy revolution has already created approximately 20,000 new jobs, and the sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Additionally, the country is benefitting from lower energy prices, as renewable energy sources are cheaper to produce and the government has been able to use its surpluses to benefit the economy.

Moreover, Norway’s enormous energy potential makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors. The Norwegian government has been working on liberalizing its market and creating a more level playing field for foreign companies, particularly in the renewable energy sectors. This has led to increased foreign investment in the country, which is helping to finance new infrastructure and technologies for the energy production.

Conclusion

Norway’s renewable energy revolution is proof that the transition to a more sustainable energy future is possible. The country has made significant progress in recent years, increasing its energy production from renewable sources, while also setting ambitious goals and boasting one of the most impressive renewable energy policies in the world. With its rich natural resources and advanced technologies, Norway is well-placed to lead the way in the global fight against climate change.