Norway moves to halve grid and wind power approval times

The Norwegian government has announced a plan to accelerate onshore wind power and electricity grid development by simplifying application procedures and removing bureaucratic hurdles. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said the goal is to halve the time needed to develop grids, calling faster renewable power expansion "crucial" for cutting emissions, boosting employment, and protecting existing jobs and companies.

Energy Minister Terje Aasland said onshore wind is the quickest and cheapest way to increase Norway's electricity output. The country's power system is already largely renewable, dominated by hydropower built decades ago, with onshore wind expanding rapidly between 2015 and 2021.

However, growth has slowed sharply since then, with only about 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new capacity added — a rise of just 2.5% — amid opposition from local residents and indigenous Sami groups. To make wind farms more attractive to municipalities, the government proposed bringing forward developers' payments based on planned production.

Norway is typically a net power exporter, but that surplus is under pressure as domestic consumption is forecast to rise with industries shifting away from fossil fuels and data centre operators seeking clean energy. Grid constraints have already prompted national transmission operator Statnett to pause new connections for major industrial plants in its Arctic region.