Why do we need a power grid in Norway?

In addition, the grid must have sufficient capacity to transport electricity out of a region when consumption is low and production is high. The wide variations in domestic production and consumption make it necessary to have sufficient transmission capacity both between different regions of Norway and between Norway and other countries.

Does Norway have a good power system?

Norway has a sound power balance and high power trading capacity, and therefore enjoys high energy security in the power system. Nevertheless, low water inflow and events outside Norway can make the situation difficult at times. Statnett is responsible for developing measures to deal with highly strained power situations energy situations.

What is the continuity of electricity supply in Norway?

The continuity of the electricity supply is depends on both the frequency and the duration of interruptions in the supply. In Norway, continuity of supply is stable and very good, and is close to 99.99 % in years without extreme weather events. It has never dropped below 99.96 % in any year since 1996, see the figure below.

Why does Norway have a large storage capacity?

The large storage capacity makes it possible to even out production over years, seasons, weeks and days, within the constraints set by the licence and the watercourse itself. Norway has a sound power balance and high power trading capacity, and therefore enjoys high energy security in the power system.

How much power is exchanged between Norway and neighboring countries?

In the last decade, the annual exchange between Norway and neighboring countries has been around 26 TWh, with an increase to 33 and 38 TWh after the commissioning of NordLink in 2020 and North Sea Link in 2021, respectively. The power exchange between Norway and other countries ensures sound overall resource use and improved value creation.

What causes energy shortages in Norway?

Energy shortages or energy insecurity can arise when electricity production is reduced because supplies of primary energy (water, gas, coal, etc.) are in short supply. Hydropower accounts for most of the Norwegian power supplies, and the resource base for production depends on the precipitation in a given year.