Renewable energy projects towards 2030

Norway will need more renewable energy to succeed with the green shift and reach its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. We invite you to learn more about our role in making sure future renewable development projects are successful.

We are in the midst of an energy revolution requiring major investments in new technology and infrastructure. Thommessen is the main provider of legal services to renewables companies in Norway and has assisted developers throughout the long history of the renewables industry. Our
in-depth knowledge of distinctive features, regulatory developments and conflicting interests characterising the industry makes us well placed to provide commercial and strategic advice.

With a long history and a strong reputation, we are looking squarely to the future. We want to contribute to bringing tomorrow’s energy solutions to life, in order to attain the sustainability objectives.

The team is excellent in helping to secure common ground and making negotiations move forward. Client
The Legal 500, 2022

We facilitate the key energy solutions of the future

We have extensive experience with renewable energy sources that have been developed for a long time in Norway, the development of which has played a key role in making Norway a leading energy producer. In addition, we are involved with new energy solutions that will play a preeminent role in attaining the sustainability objectives.

Onshore wind power

Onshore wind power is the production technology with the lowest development cost in Norway, and Norway features some of the world’s best wind resources – including onshore. Continued onshore wind power development is therefore important in meeting the expected increase in Norwegian and European power consumption.

Processing of licence applications for new onshore wind farms was suspended in April 2019. In April 2022, the Government gave the go-ahead for a resumption of licence application processing for new wind power projects, subject to the consent of the host municipality. We summarise the current status of licence application processing for onshore wind power.

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Offshore wind power

The Norwegian continental shelf features some of the world’s best and most stable wind resources, a long coastline, as well as a highly skilled and experienced offshore industry. Norway and Norwegian industry are thus well placed to establish a position in a growing offshore wind power market which may potentially create tens of thousands of new jobs along the entire coastline.

We are closely monitoring industry and policy developments and actively addressing the critical factors in enabling Norway to succeed as an offshore wind power provider. We summarise the process as currently envisaged by the authorities.

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Solar energy

Solar power currently accounts for a small portion of Norway’s overall power production. 2021 figures show annual solar power production representing about one thousandth of total power production in Norway. However, the sector has developed significantly in recent years and Norway offers considerable solar power potential.

Thommessen has extensive experience with assisting renewable power producers and is closely monitoring solar power industry developments. We are working with a number of stakeholders to facilitate the realisation of solar power potential in Norway.

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Hydropower

Hydropower has played a key role in making Norway a leading energy producer. Hydropower has contributed to industrial development and economic growth, and constitutes, in combination with the electrical grid, the backbone of the Norwegian energy supply system.

The legal framework governing hydropower production is based on the premise that Norway’s hydropower resources belong to, and shall be managed in the best interest of, the general public. This is reflected in, inter alia, a legal requirement that major hydropower plants are publicly owned, with private ownership of major hydropower plants being limited to a 1/3 ownership stake. We have assisted all of Norway’s main hydropower producers for several decades, and have extensive experience with all types of hydropower issues.

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Hydrogen

Hydrogen may become a key element of a sustainable society in the future, functioning as an energy carrier, as a heat source, as well as for direct use in process industries and in the transport sector. In the electricity sector, hydrogen may contribute as a source of flexibility in the power system.

Norway is well placed to become a major hydrogen producer and user, although hydrogen is currently not much used in the said sectors. Recent years have, however, seen a surge in interest in hydrogen produced with low or zero emissions, and the Norwegian authorities have signalled a high level of ambition for hydrogen in Norway.

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Carbon capture and storage

Carbon capture and storage is one of the measures recommended by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to limit global warming. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), it will be necessary to store several billion tonnes of CO₂ every year in order to curtail global warming in accordance with the targets under the Paris Agreement. A successful carbon capture and storage effort will be decisive for realising the political objective for future emission reductions.

There is mounting interest from businesses wishing to receive and permanently store CO₂, and the Government has expressed a clear ambition of offering attractive storage areas for businesses that provide solutions for commercial CO₂ storage.

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We assist in all phases of renewable development projects

Our lawyers have extensive experience with the close follow-up of renewable development projects – throughout the process from project inception, via project development and until project implementation and, potentially, subsequent acquisition and divestment. We here invite you to learn more about our role in the various project phases.

Our role in resolving renewables disputes

Renewables-related disputes will often raise complex and specialised legal issues. Our Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Department has expertise on the regulatory framework and the private law that industry players need to take into account. We work closely with our litigation specialists, and engage the right people at the right time.

Our team assists in disputes related to anything from development agreements via administrative decisions to licence terms and conditions. We also have extensive experience with renewables project construction disputes and compulsory acquisition appraisal proceedings in relation to the acquisition of energy project development and operation rights. The objective is always to attain the best possible outcome for the client in the most effective manner. We assist at the negotiation stage, during mediation and, if necessary, in court.

Sustainability Database

The increased focus on sustainable development is accompanied by accelerating sustainability regulation. This takes the form of both new statutory instruments and specific requirements launched by various industries, financial institutions and investors.

Our Sustainability Database helps you navigate the multitude of regulatory amendments and industry initiatives in various sectors. This service is available to our clients, potential clients, as well as other collaboration partners.

Go to the Sustainability Database