Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Hydropower Country Notes

Norway

Norway possesses Western Europe's largest hydro resources, both in terms of its current installed capacity and of its economically feasible potential. Hydropower & Dams World Atlas 2006 reported a gross theoretical capability of 560 TWh/yr, of which 187 TWh was economically exploitable. The hydro generating capacity installed by the end of 2005 had an output capability equivalent to about two-thirds of the economic potential. Actual hydro output in 2005 was around 136 000 TWh, providing virtually all of Norway's electric power.

Two major HPPs were under construction at end-2005: Nit Tying (168 MW) and Over Otta (171 MW). A further 859 MW was licenced for development.
The economically exploitable capability applicable to small-scale hydro schemes was reported to be 9 TWh/yr, equivalent to 5% of the overall level. Installed capacity of small hydro plants totalled about 1 000 MW at end-2005 with an average annual output capability of 5 TWh.