Norway is one of Europe’s leading energy nations. It supplies hydropower to the Nordic electricity grid and sells substantial amounts of natural gas in Europe. Furthermore Norway is Europe's third largest exporter of oil. The exploitation of natural energy sources has provided a solid business foundation for a wide range of Norwegian companies.
In addition to companies directly involved in petroleum exploration, production and pipeline transport, a wide range of companies has emerged to provide technologically advanced equipment and supplies in support of those activities. Norway’s knowledge-intensive oil and gas supply companies have grown into a substantial industry of their own. Additional firms provide specialized services in the form of engineering solutions, safety and security, maintenance, seismic surveys, testing and analysis.
Electricity production and supply make up another large part of the energy sector in Norway. Most of the electricity production is hydropower-based, but in the years to come it will increasingly be supplemented by energy sources such as wind, biomass, geothermal and natural gas.
In 1991, Norway became one of the first countries in the world to introduce a free electricity market. The expertise Norway has gained in free markets since then is much in demand abroad as other countries face similar challenges.
NHDs faktahefte