Norway has impressively achieved getting almost the entirety of its electricity from low-carbon sources, with more than 99% of its electricity being clean energy. Most of this electricity comes from hydropower, which contributes to over 90% of the total, while wind energy accounts for about 8.5%. This remarkable reliance on sustainable electricity ensures that the country's energy footprint is quite low in terms of carbon emissions. However, as Norway looks to the future, the challenge lies in expanding this clean electricity generation to electrify other sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry.
Is Electricity Growing in Norway?
Despite Norway's strong foundation of clean electricity, the current trends highlight a decrease in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption per person compared to the past. As of 2025, the per capita electricity consumption is around 28517 kWh, which is over 3000 kWh lower than the previous high in 2000. Similarly, the per capita low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased by more than 3000 kWh from its historic peak in 2000. This reduction signals a worrying stagnation in domestic electricity consumption and production, which hinders efforts towards further electrification and sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Norway could consider diversifying its energy mix by investing in new technologies like nuclear and solar power. These sources offer a reliable and sustainable way to boost clean electricity production without adding to carbon emissions. Building new nuclear facilities or solar farms would not only help meet future electricity demands but also provide a robust foundation for electrifying other sectors. Harnessing the full potential of nuclear and solar energy ensures that electricity growth keeps pace with the transition towards a greener and more electrified economy.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Norway, it is evident that hydropower has seen fluctuating trends over the decades. In the 1980s, there were notable increases in hydroelectric generation, especially in 1981 and 1983. However, several years in the 1990s and 2000s saw significant declines, with 1991 and 2001 standing out as years with particularly steep drops. Despite these yearly variations, Norway has periodically managed impressive surges in hydroelectric output, such as in 2000 and 2005. These shifts underscore the importance of complementing hydro with other stable forms of low-carbon electricity generation, like nuclear and solar, to ensure consistency and sustainability in electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.