Definition
Hydropower is electrical energy produced by harnessing the potential energy of water falling from a height. In Norway, hydropower accounts for approximately 90% of total electricity generation - one of the world's highest shares for a single country. Norwegian hydropower is primarily divided into two types: reservoir hydropower (dispatchable - water is stored in a reservoir and released in a controlled manner) and run-of-river hydropower (flowing water, with no storage capacity). Reservoir hydropower is particularly valuable because it can be ramped up and down quickly, effectively functioning as a giant energy store. This makes Norwegian hydropower the backbone of the Nordic power system and a key balancing resource. Hydropower plants requiring a licence apply to NVENorway's Directorate of Water Resources and Energy - regulates the electricity and water resources sectors. for construction and operation. Large power stations (over 10 MW installed capacity) are subject to licensing under the Energy Act, while medium-sized ones fall under the Water Resources Act. StatkraftNorway's and Europe's largest producer of renewable energy - state-owned company with hydropower at its core. is Norway's and Europe's largest producer of renewable energyEnergy from sources that renew naturally - wind, solar, hydropower and bioenergy - as opposed to fossil fuels. and controls a large share of Norwegian hydropower capacity. Hydropower is CO₂-free during operation and is classified as renewable energy - but construction can have significant environmental impacts, making licensing politically sensitive. There is a strong link between hydropower and hydrogenEnergy carrier produced by water electrolysis - "green" when electricity comes from renewable power. Key technology for zero-emission heavy transport and industrial decarbonisation.: Norwegian reservoir hydropower is an ideal power source for electrolysis-based green hydrogen because it is dispatchable, local and renewable.