Norwegian hydropower producers are cutting output in southern Norway this summer to save water for the winter, fearing a looming supply crunch after a prolonged period of dry weather diminished reservoir levels. There is also concern that hydropower, which accounts for around 90% of Norwegian electricity generation, will continue to be exported to continental Europe. The reservoirs feeding many of the plants are currently only 59% full, compared with a 20-year median level of 68%, according to data from energy regulator NVE. In southwestern Norway, where over a third of capacity is located, reservoirs are just 46% full and at their lowest point for at least 20 years. Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett in May declared the area’s security of supply as “pressed”, prompting regulator NVE to ask the company to prepare additional measures to handle a winter crunch. read more Statnett has also […]