Where is Norway?

Norway is Scandinavia, northern Europe.

How much HEP does Norway produce?

Norway accounts for almost 5% of the world's entire HEP production. HEP is the most important source of energy in the country, providing 99% of its electricity .

 

'Norway is the largest consumer of HEP in Europe.'

How can Norway produce so much HEP?

The country is mountainous, with high levels of precipitation (1,500 mm per year) and has a long coastline - all favourable conditions for HEP production.

The development of HEP in Norway began early in the twentieth century when waterfalls flowing down the steep slopes of fjords were harnessed to provide power. Later inland sites were developed, the largest concentration of which is 160 kilometres west of Oslo, in the Rjukan Valley.

What are the good and bad points about HEP?

Benefits of HEP	Drawbacks of HEP
Uses naturally renewable resources and doesn't create pollution.	Rivers provide natural routeways, building dams across them blocks these routeways.
Although they are expensive to build, HEP plants produce cheap electricity.	Reservoirs change the microclimate, affecting local plant and animal life.
HEP schemes are often located in remote areas, new roads and cheap electricity bring new industries to these areas.	Construction of new buildings and roads has spoilt the natural beauty of some areas.

What other sources of energy does Norway have?

Oil and gas are the other important sources of energy in Norway. They were discovered during the 1960's in the North Sea. Together oil and gas make up over 50% of Norway's export earnings.

 

'Norway is the world's seventh largest oil producer. It produces 2.8 million barrels of oil per day'