Norway, famed for its landscapes and hydropower, could install 31 GW of solar PV in its buildings. A recent study details the potential and challenges of incorporating this solar capacity into the national grid.
Unveiling the Solar Potential
Known for its stunning landscapes and abundant hydropower resources, Norway is set to make a major advancement in renewable energy. According to a recent research paper, It can potentially deploy 31 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV across its buildings. This study highlights both the significant opportunities and the challenges involved in integrating solar energy into the national grid, a move that could drastically transform the nation's energy landscape.
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The research which is spearheaded by Hassan Gholami, a consultant for Norway's Multiconsult meticulously evaluates the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on building walls and rooftops throughout Norway. Utilizing a combination of hourly electricity demand data from 2013 to 2021, PV system simulations, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis; the study estimates a staggering 87 GW of technical potential for solar power on buildings.
Interestingly, the eastern region of Norway (encompassing the capital city Oslo) emerged as the area with the highest technical potential for solar PV installations. However, the research goes beyond mere technical calculations; delving into the practicality of integrating this solar capacity into Norway's existing electricity grid.
Integrating Solar Energy into the Grid
The study suggests that up to 36% of the technical solar potential - equating to around 31 GW - could be feasibly integrated into the national power system. This integration would align well with Norway's electricity consumption patterns, ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.
"Integrating 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. Within this range, the grid efficiently absorbs the generated solar energy; ensuring stability and sustainability," the research paper explains.
However, the study also cautions against exceeding this threshold. Beyond 31 GW, the disparity between solar production during peak times - particularly in summer - and actual consumption could lead to potential energy losses or necessitate exporting excess power to other regions. This highlights the need for careful planning and coordination among policymakers and grid operators to balance solar power generation with demand effectively.
Despite the potential of integrating 31 GW of solar power, the research indicates this would not meet Norway's annual energy consumption of 132 TWh as the estimated annual solar power production is only about 65 TWh. Therefore, solar energy must be supplemented by other renewable sources (like hydropower) to meet overall demand and support Norway's renewable energy goals.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Norway's 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 PV plants. The authorities attribute this record growth to the increasing interest and investments 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 Directorate's (NVE) website, reflecting robust activity in this burgeoning sector.
"A 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," Gholami said.
Norway's potential to deploy 31 GW of solar power on building walls and rooftops offers a transformative opportunity for its energy sector, emphasizing the importance of integrating solar energy into the national grid to ensure stability and efficiency. Although solar power alone may not meet all energy demands, it can significantly contribute to the country's renewable energy goals when combined with other sources (like hydropower) positioning Norway as a leader in renewable energy adoption.