Norway could replace all fossil fuels with electricity

According to the Norwegian power transmission system operator (TSO) Statnett, Norway can become fully electrified and replace all fossil energy consumption by renewable electricity with an increase in electricity consumption by 30-50 TWh. The increase in electricity consumption could be easily covered by expanding wind power capacities, which are economically viable even without subsidies, and by other renewable sources such as hydropower or solar. Norway should benefit from its large emission-free hydropower generation and increase the use of electricity.

Considering that electricity from renewable energy is a highly efficient energy carrier, Statnett estimates that 40 TWh of renewable electricity could replace 95 TWh of fossil energy, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25 MtCO₂eq. Since Norway already uses renewable electricity for almost all heating of buildings, the potential of the building sector is limited. The greatest potential for electrification lies within the transport and industrial sectors. The penetration of electric vehicles in Norway is increasing and industry - including the oil sector - has a potential for a transition to electric consumption. Direct electrification could prove difficult to implement in some industrial sectors and in heavy-duty or long-haul transport; however, other zero-emission technologies such as hydrogen, biofuels or CCS could replace fossil fuels. Using hydrogen from electrolysis could raise electricity demand by 40 TWh.