When thinking about renewable energy, green or clean energy, one nation in Europe seems to pop up in people's minds and that is Norway. Its government managed to implement smart technology and innovative practices to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for its citizens. Norway is the prime example of an environmentally conscious country - from concentrated solar power to floating wind turbines, these are some of the most promising new green power solutions used there.

Let's follow up and see what are the Scandinavian’s country most recent advancements when it comes to renewable energy. Perhaps we can learn and adopt some of their policies, ideas, and approaches.

Norway - A Pioneer in the Renewable Energy Industry

Norway is undeniably the biggest hydropower nation in Europe as well as one of the global leaders in this technology. The country is primarily powered by hydropower. They can boast that 96% of their hydropower production is concentrated at more than 1500 plants all over the land. This covers over half of their energy requirements (approximately 88% as it now stands).

Norwegian professionals are constantly in the pursuit of developing other eco-friendly solutions and technologies to make them work. What renewable energy sources have in common are the minimal greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential to use renewable energy and advanced technology, to achieve the climate targets of the Paris Agreement. For more than 200 years, Norway has generated most of its electricity from inexhaustible sources. The same holds true today.

Even though hydropower is dominant, Norwegian companies are active in other renewable sources, like solar power plants, floating offshore wind turbines, and energy storage. At beginning of 2023, Norwegian onshore wind power plants had a total installed capacity of 33 691 MW for a total annual production of 136.49 TWh.

The commercial implementation of floating wind turbines could undoubtedly hold the key to unlocking the offshore wind power potential of deeper waters. Here, winds are often stronger and steadier. This would mean the collection of wind power would be better regulated than conventional offshore wind turbines. Floating turbines are built on concrete bases in the seabed. The construction technology is similar to the one used with floating oil and gas offshore platforms. The turbines are anchored into the seabed with just a few cables at sites as deep as 700m. Fewer obtrusive installations can be a beneficial energy source in deeper water.

Norway has installed one such experimental floating wind turbine, collaborating with the oil and gas company Statoil called Hywind, off the coast of Norway.

They have even founded a platform for promoting their core interests in the hope of sharing innovative practices and technologies on a global stage at the ONS trade fair.

The ONS Trade Fair Gathers Industry Professionals

Established in 1974, the biennial event, ONS, has become a global energy meeting place connecting international suppliers, operating companies, and decision-makers.

The ONS Foundation is an organization of international significance that facilitates discussions and collaboration on power, technology, and modernization. Sustainability is at the core of their business, and they aim to, first, provide information and, secondly challenge established practices and promote low-carbon solutions. They believe that sustainable energy's future is built on the shoulders of the oil and gas industry. Through their global network of industry leaders, politicians, innovators, and business and society influencers, they work to shape and influence the future energy sector.

ONS 2026 will be held between 24- 27 August 2026 in the beautiful port city of Stavanger, Norway. The trade fair is held over an impressive 9 exhibition halls, covering over twenty thousand meters of exhibition space. There are two specifically designated areas for innovators and companies with clean energy initiatives, namely: Innovation Park and Clean Energy Park. Gas, energy, and technology suppliers and operators from all over the world come together at this event.

Key Figures From 2024

The 2024 edition of ONS has gained a huge amount of attention as sustainability becomes a part of many businesses' lives. The growth is simply impressive.

• 102 countries
• 9 energy venues
• 1150+ speakers
• 1100+ exhibitors
• 72, 676 visitors

Focus Themes of ONS

Each event has a main theme. From the historical 1980 theme of “Uncertainties” in the management of offshore petroleum resources to the previous event's theme in 2024 “Imagine”. The upcoming event in 2026 focus is yet to be announced.

So, if you are somebody looking for ideas on how to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly, are a policy-maker, or have a vested interest in the gas, energy, or technology sector, this is definitely a must-attend trade fair. Of course, you can rely on us to help you plan your trade fair accommodation, so you and your colleagues will have an enjoyable stay in the picturesque city of Stavanger.