Norway as Europe's green battery : analysing functions in technological innovation systems for renewable energy technologies

Abstract

In order to prevent global warming, the world is in need of a reduction in CO2 emissions. This thesis seeks to analyse the possibilities Norway has to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases in its energy system. More specifically, it investigates the Norwegian technological innovation system for renewable energy technologies. Hampering factors to the development of renewable energy technologies are identified. These can assist decision-makers to design targeted, technology-specific policies. These hampering factors are explained in the context of the Norwegian national innovation system. This thesis claims that Norway appears to lack incentives in the development of renewable energy due to Norway’s characteristic energy, economic and industry structure. Furthermore, Norway has been suggested as a part of the solution in the transformation of the European electricity sector. This thesis argues that an increased interconnecting capacity between Norway and Europe is feasible. However, there are still unanswered questions regarding the extent of such a development. The most prominent of these questions relates to the issue of legitimacy connected to price effects and nature interventions. Further research is needed, particularly on what effect an extensive development of interconnecting cables will have on the price of electrical power in Norway.