Norway, famed for its stunning landscapes and vast hydropower resources, could install 31 GW of solar PV on its buildings. A recent study explores the potential of this massive solar capacity and the challenges of incorporating it into the national grid.
Unveiling the Solar Potential
Beyond its renowned landscapes and hydropower, Norway is poised for a major advancement in renewable energy. A recent research paper finds the country has the potential to deploy 31 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV across its buildings. This study highlights both the significant opportunities and the challenges of integrating this solar energy into the national gridโa move that could drastically transform the nationโs energy landscape.
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Spearheaded by Hassan Gholami, a consultant for Norway’s Multiconsult, the research meticulously evaluates the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on building walls and rooftops throughout the country.
Using hourly electricity demand data from 2013 to 2021, PV system simulations, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, the study estimates a technical potential of 87 GW for solar power on buildings. The eastern region of Norway, which includes the capital city of Oslo, emerged as the area with the highest potential.
The research, however, goes beyond technical calculations to examine the practicalities of integrating this solar capacity into Norwayโs existing electricity grid.
Integrating Solar Energy into the Grid
The study suggests that up to 36% of the technical solar potentialโequating to around 31 GWโcould be feasibly integrated into the national power system. This level of integration would align well with Norwayโs electricity consumption patterns, ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.
โIntegrating photovoltaic capacity up to 36% of the calculated capacity, which will be 31 GWp allows smooth incorporation of solar power into the grid, effectively matching production with consumption,โ the research paper explains. โWithin this range, the grid efficiently absorbs the generated solar energy, ensuring stability and sustainability.โ
However, the study also cautions against exceeding this threshold. Beyond 31 GW, the disparity between solar production during peak timesโparticularly in summerโand actual consumption could lead to energy losses or require exporting excess power. This highlights the need for careful planning and coordination among policymakers and grid operators to balance solar generation with demand.
Despite the potential of integrating 31 GW of solar power, the research indicates this would still fall short of meeting Norwayโs annual energy consumption of 132 TWh, since the estimated annual solar production is only about 65 TWh. Therefore, solar energy must be supplemented by other renewable sources like hydropower to meet overall demand and support Norwayโs renewable energy goals.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Norwayโs solar energy sector has already shown promising growth. By the end of 2023, the country had reached a cumulative installed solar PV capacity of 597 megawatts (MW), a significant increase driven by the successful connection of two large-scale plants. Authorities attribute this record growth to increasing interest and investment in solar energy projects.
Several companies are actively pursuing utility-scale solar PV projects across Norway, with many at various stages of the approval process. A comprehensive overview of these projects is available on the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorateโs (NVE) website, reflecting robust activity in this burgeoning sector.
โA compelling forecast indicates that several of these entities are poised to realize their first utility-scale solar PV sites by the conclusion of 2025, ushering in a new era of solar energy deployment in Norway,โ Gholami said.
Norway’s potential to deploy 31 GW of solar power on its buildings offers a transformative opportunity for its energy sector. The study emphasizes the importance of carefully integrating this capacity into the national grid to ensure stability and efficiency. While solar power alone cannot meet all energy demands, it can significantly contribute to the countryโs renewable energy goals when combined with other sources like hydropower, positioning Norway as a leader in renewable energy adoption.
