The Norwegian government will introduce stricter energy-saving measures for power producers in circumstances when hydropower reservoir levels are anticipated to be low, with the possibility of reducing power exports during periods of shortages.
The government presented a new control mechanism that requires hydropower producers to establish plans for safeguarding hydro stocks and allow for power exports to be curtailed in situations in which there are risks of power shortages.
The measures also reinforce the reporting system that was introduced last summer and enable energy authorities to intervene in managing hydropower reservoir levels if the power grid is at risk.
"We need to make sure that Norway has enough power," the country's prime minister, Terje Aasland, said. "This means safeguarding our own security of supply. We need to be able to count on always having enough water in our hydro reservoirs."
Nordic hydropower stocks were at 70.94TWh, or 55.9pc, of capacity at the end of week 3 this year, down from 74.89TWh, or 59pc, of capacity the previous week. Norwegian hydro reserves weakened from 53.90TWh to 51.17TWh — the lowest stocks have been since week 25 of last year, with volumes falling the most in the NO2, NO4, and NO5 bidding zones.
"A review of the energy situation in 2021–22 concluded that the Norwegian electricity system has become more vulnerable to unexpected events," the government said. "The legislative amendments we are drafting will clarify the responsibilities of hydropower producers to safeguard security of supply."
The government is expected to implement the mechanism before the next winter season.
