Norway already gets almost 99% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—a remarkable achievement. Over the 12 months from October 2025 through September 2026, hydropower supplied about 88% of electricity and wind about 10%, while fossil sources accounted for only around 1.4%. Norway is also a significant net exporter of electricity, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. Its next challenge is to electrify more transport, heating and industry, which will require substantially more clean electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Norway?

The latest figures show that electricity consumption per person remains well below its historic peak, rather than demonstrating sustained growth. In 2026, consumption was about 27,200 kWh per person, roughly 4,600 kWh—or 14%—below the record of around 31,800 kWh in 2000. Low-carbon electricity generation reached about 26,900 kWh per person, approximately 4,900 kWh—or 15%—below its own 2000 record. These gaps are concerning given the electricity needed for further electrification and growing digital infrastructure, although comparisons with historic records alone do not establish the latest year-on-year trend.

Suggestions

Norway can increase clean electricity generation by upgrading existing hydropower plants, expanding solar power on rooftops and suitable developed sites, and considering nuclear power as an additional source of reliable low-carbon electricity. Further wind generation can also contribute. Stronger transmission networks, storage and more flexible electricity demand would help integrate this additional output and deliver it where needed. Building on its already exceptionally clean electricity supply would support electrification at home while strengthening Norway’s contribution to reducing fossil-fuel use, climate emissions and air pollution across the region.

History

Norway’s low-carbon electricity history has been dominated by substantial fluctuations in hydropower generation. The 1980s brought notable annual increases of about 9–13 TWh, while the 1990s included a roughly 10 TWh rise in 1995 alongside declines of about 11 TWh in 1991 and 18 TWh in 1996. The 2000s were especially variable: generation rose by about 20 TWh in 2000, fell by 21 TWh in 2001 and 24 TWh in 2003, then rebounded by 27 TWh in 2005. Further declines in 2006 and 2009 surrounded a 15 TWh increase in 2007. During the 2010s, a 21 TWh gain in 2012 contrasted with declines of roughly 9–14 TWh in 2010, 2013 and 2019. More recently, a 16 TWh increase in 2020 was followed by declines of about 15 TWh in 2022 and 11 TWh in 2026, underscoring the importance of adding more low-carbon generation rather than relying on hydropower gains alone.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Oct 2025 – Sep 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.