Why Norway’s renewable energy boom is happening everywhere but here

If Norway’s got all these new renewable energy companies, why do they only work abroad?  

These clean tech companies specialize in batteries, renewable energy and energy management systems. Everything the world needs to stop global warming. Only they are exporting most of their business abroad. The reason?

It’s not because Norway is already green, far from it. Last year, Norway was denied permission to speak during the UN General Assembly. Unlike other nations, we couldn't present credible actions, policies, and plans to decarbonize our economy.

Norway’s renewable energy companies are forced to seek business abroad due to unworkable conditions at home. The current regulations make it neither profitable nor feasible to operate domestically. Consequently, the energy transition is progressing in Europe, but stagnating here in Norway.

A Capgemini report reveals that 75 % of industry executives believe their sustainability goals are unattainable without climate tech.

Despite persistent pleas from renewable energy companies, the Norwegian government’s response has been to hire more consultants to expedite the licensing process at The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). Currently, the NVE has nearly 300 cases under consideration, with 155 more in the queue. The Norwegian industry is "screaming for power," as stated by Renewables Norway. 

Meanwhile Norway's green transition remains a paper tiger. There are plenty of reports about what needs to be done, but very little decarbonization is actually happening. 

The green transition requires us to rebuild our energy system from the ground up, not just expand the existing grid. Only then can climate tech companies truly aid Norwegian industries in decarbonizing, which is crucial for their survival in the coming decade.

The global energy system needs a complete overhaul, inviting new industries to the table, not just the old players. The green transition is no longer hindered by technology; we have the tech. We’re just waiting for Norway to give the green light.

Join us for a panel debate as we delve into Norway’s blooming climate tech industry. What should Norway do to protect and support it? Join us as we explore how Norway can unlock its renewable potential, asking the hard questions about why our energy innovators are forced to look abroad.