Norway energy policy and public sentiment

Norway is experiencing shifts in its energy landscape, characterized by evolving public sentiment and changing ownership structures.

In late August 2026, the nation faced tensions between industrial growth and public skepticism. Energy Minister Terje Aasland affirmed that Norway would continue Arctic drilling regardless of EU positions, dismissing the idea of Europe using Norway as a ‘green battery’. Simultaneously, while the data center industry is expanding, public skepticism remains high; a survey indicated only 25 percent of Norwegians support investment in the sector, though 77 percent emphasize the importance of data sovereignty.

By September 2026, data from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate showed a trend toward increased domestic energy ownership. Norwegian ownership in wind power rose by 18 percentage points over two years, while hydropower and solar power remain predominantly Norwegian-owned at 90 percent. Public opinion also shifted regarding energy sources, with support for nuclear power growing from 36 percent in 2022 to 54 percent in 2026, though solar power remains the most favored option at 70 percent.