High frequency uninterruptible power supply plant in Bergen Norway

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 many thermal power plants are there in Norway?

There are 30 thermal power plants in Norway, with a total installed capacity of about 538 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.

Why does Norway have a power market?

The growing share of intermittent production technologies, such as wind and solar, makes it even more vital that there is flexibility available in the rest of the system. The power market in Norway was deregulated in 1991, when few countries had market-based power systems. The market is now a fundamental element of the Norwegian power supply.

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. The same applies to run-of-river power plants and small-scale hydropower plants.