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 electricity does Norway generate?

Nearly 100% of Norway’s generation is renewable; in 2022, hydroelectric generation accounted for 128 TWh of electric power, and wind was the second-largest source, generating 15 TWh (Table 1 and Figure 8). Historically, Norway, as Europe’s largest hydropower producer, has predominantly used its ample supply of hydroelectric power for electricity.

Who owns Norway's energy?

Statkraft AS has major or partial ownership in most of Norway’s energy generation. Hafslund, Oslo’s fully owned power company, is Norway’s second-largest hydropower and energy producer.

How many thermal power plants are there in Norway?

There are 30 thermal power plants in Norway, with a total installed capacity of about 642 MW. The power balance expresses the relationship between production and consumption and indicates whether the Norwegian power system is a net exporter or importer in a particular year.

Where is Norway's last coal-fired power plant?

Norway’s last coal-fired power plant, located on a Norwegian island group called Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean, is switching from coal to diesel now that Norway’s only coal mine in the islands was closed. However, Russia’s state-owned coal mining plant on Svalbard continues to operate (Figure 1).1

How many hydropower reservoirs are there in Norway?

Norway has more than 1240 hydropower storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 87 TWh. The 30 largest reservoirs provide about half the storage capacity. Total reservoir capacity corresponds to 70% of annual Norwegian electricity consumption. Most of the reservoirs were constructed before 1990.