Detailed Specific Example: Norway (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Specification link

This page covers section 10.6.4 of the CIE IGCSE specification .

• 10.6.4- One detailed specific example of a named country to include:

  • The energy mix.
  • The impacts of the different types of energy being used.
  • The strategies and techniques used to manage energy supplies; including sustainable.

Energy mix in Norway

Spec point — One detailed specific example of a named country to include: • the energy mix • the impacts of the different types of energy being used • the strategies and techniques used to manage energy supplies; including sustainable.

Energy mix in Norway

• Norway is a High Income Country (HIC) in northern Europe
• The demand for energy is one of the highest in the world
• The population is mainly urban with 83% of people living in towns and cities

Graph showing the energy use in Norway and the UK

Energy resources

• Norway has significant energy resources, including:

  • 1% of the world's gas reserves (17th in the world)
  • 0.3% of the world's oil reserves (22nd in the world)
  • There are also some coal reserves

• Norway is one of the world's largest energy exporters

• Hydropower generates 90% of Norway's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy use

Graph showing the energy use in Norway and the UK

Impacts of energy types in Norway

Spec point — One detailed specific example of a named country to include: • the energy mix • the impacts of the different types of energy being used • the strategies and techniques used to manage energy supplies; including sustainable.

Impacts of energy types in Norway

• The reliance on hydropower in Norway has several impacts, including:

  • **Flooding **of large areas of land
  • Dams create physical barriers to** fish migration** and impact on breeding areas
  • River flow rates are impacted, which can negatively affect wildlife
  • Water temperature and sediment levels are altered
  • Habitat destruction

• The production of hydropower can be impacted by climate conditions

  • In 2022, Norway experienced drought conditions leading to a decrease in energy supply and an increase in energy prices

• Although much of the oil and gas extracted by Norway is exported, the extraction impacts the environment by:

  • Increasing the risk of oil spills and leaks
  • Underwater noise pollution affects marine life
  • The burning of the fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to global warming

Strategies used to manage energy supplies in Norway

Spec point — One detailed specific example of a named country to include: • the energy mix • the impacts of the different types of energy being used • the strategies and techniques used to manage energy supplies; including sustainable.

Strategies used to manage energy supplies in Norway

• There are over 1500 hydropower plants in Norway

• Due to the issue of reliance on hydropower during the dry season and the environmental impact of large hydropower plants Norway is expanding other renewable energy sources

• Demand continues to increase

• Norway is expanding the number of wind farms:

  • There are currently 53 wind farms

  • Plans for 36 additional onshore and offshore are due to be started or completed by 2030

    • Includes the world's first floating wind farm

• Norway is also investing in solar energy:

  • Homeowners in Oslo get a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels

• To reduce the consumption of oil, Norway is encouraging the population to move to electric cars:

  • In 2021, 66% of all new car sales in Norway were electric