Norway News

Norway is on track to become the first country to fully phase out gas-powered vehicles, with electric vehicles (EVs) comprising 88.9% of all new car sales in 2024, according to the BBC. This remarkable achievement contrasts sharply with the U.S., where EVs made up only 8% of sales last year, as reported by Reuters. The shift in Norway is the result of long-standing government policies, beginning in the 1990s, that taxed diesel vehicles while exempting EVs from taxes, making the latter more attractive to consumers. Ulf Tore, CEO of the car dealership Harald A Møller in Oslo, emphasized the inevitability of an all-electric future: “We think it's wrong to advise a customer to buy a petrol car.” In 2017, Norway set a non-binding goal for all new cars sold to be electric by 2025, a target now within reach. Incentives such as tax breaks, free parking, and access to bus lanes have further incentivized the transition. Ståle Fyen, an EV owner, noted that financial advantages played a significant role in the decision to go electric. Many believe that Norway’s model could serve as a blueprint for other countries to adopt similar policies for a sustainable future.

Norway is on track to become the first country to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles entirely, with electric vehicles (EVs) constituting 88.9% of all new car sales in 2024, as reported by the BBC. This significant shift stands in contrast to the United States, where only 8% of car sales were EVs during the same period, according to Reuters. Norway's transition to electric vehicles has been supported by government policies dating back to the 1990s, which imposed higher taxes on diesel vehicles while exempting EVs. In 2017, Norway set a non-binding goal of achieving 100% electric car sales by 2025, a target now well within reach. Despite the ongoing sale of internal combustion engine vehicles, consumer interest has largely shifted towards electric options. Incentives for EV purchasers in Norway include tax breaks, free parking, discounted tolls, and access to bus lanes. These benefits were highlighted by Norwegian EV owner Christina Bu, who noted the nation’s policies could serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their EV adoption.

Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered fragments believed to be the oldest rune stones in the world, dating back approximately 2,000 years. These inscriptions, found in the Svingerud burial field in Hole, represent the earliest known form of runic writing, shedding light on the cultural practices of a long-lost civilization, according to lead archaeologist Steinar Solheim from the University of Oslo. The sandstone fragments, originally part of a single slab, exhibit multiple runic sequences, some of which have been identified as potentially referencing ancient Nordic words. Researchers believe that these stones might have served as grave markers, possibly broken and reused in subsequent burials. The peculiar nature of the inscriptions suggests they may have been engraved by various individuals, potentially indicating a communal or familial connection. Despite attempts to decipher the runes, many markings remain ambiguous, prompting further inquiry into their meaning and the historical context of their use. The findings present new opportunities for understanding the origins of runic texts and their evolution over time, as noted in a recent study published in the journal *Antiquity*.

Norway has seized the Silver Dania, a Norwegian-owned cargo ship with a Russian crew, amid allegations of its involvement in recent undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea. The ship was detained near Tromso at the request of Latvia, with police launching an investigation on January 31, 2025, following reports of serious damage to a fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden. According to Norwegian police, the ship was intercepted while sailing from Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, and its crew and owner are cooperating with authorities. Hailing from the Norwegian shipping company Silver Sea, the vessel's owner Tormod Fossmark insisted that the ship had no connection to the damage, asserting, "We did nothing wrong." This incident follows increased scrutiny of maritime activities in the Baltic Sea, where several undersea cables have been sabotaged in recent months, possibly linked to rising tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

Norway's authorities have detained the cargo ship Silver Dania, suspected of involvement in damage to an undersea fibre optic cable in the Baltic Sea. The Norwegian-owned vessel, with a crew composed entirely of Russian citizens, was intercepted by the coast guard off Tromso on January 30, 2025, following a request from Latvia, according to Norwegian police. The cable, which links Gotland, Sweden, to Ventspils, Latvia, was reported damaged by Swedish and Latvian officials. In a statement, police indicated that the ship is under investigation for its potential role in the incident and that a thorough search is being conducted. The ship's owner, Silver Sea, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the crew and the ship had nothing to do with the damage. “We did nothing wrong... I am 100-percent sure,” said Tormod Fossmark, head of Silver Sea. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with several recent instances of cable disruptions attributed to suspected sabotage linked to geopolitical factors following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Norway has detained the cargo ship Silver Dania, suspected of involvement in recent undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, owned by Norwegian shipping company Silver Sea and carrying a Russian crew, was intercepted by the coast guard near Tromso on January 30 at Latvia's request, according to Norwegian police. Officials stated that the Silver Dania is suspected of causing significant damage to a fiber optic cable linking Latvia and Sweden. The ship's owner, Tormod Fossmark, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the crew and ship were cooperating with investigations. "We did nothing wrong," he claimed, expressing confidence in their innocence. This incident follows earlier damage to the same cable, reported by Latvia's state radio and television center, as well as other undersea cable damages across the region, raising tensions amid ongoing conflicts involving Russia. Additionally, a Bulgarian ship, Vezhen, has also been seized by Swedish authorities due to similar suspicions, with ongoing investigations into both cases.

Norway has emerged as a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with nearly 90% of cars sold last year being electric. The Scandinavian country has surpassed all others, boasting more battery-powered vehicles than petrol-powered ones on its roads. This shift to electric vehicles began in the 1990s and was significantly bolstered by technological advancements and government incentives. Key incentives for electric vehicles in Norway include the elimination of road taxes, free access to toll roads, and the abolition of VAT on electric cars since 2001, which has made them more affordable than traditional combustion vehicles. The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, led by Christina Bu, highlights that Norway's success in the EV market is due to both lucrative incentives and measures that make owning a polluting vehicle costly. Despite initial challenges, including a lack of models and charging infrastructure, Norway's automotive landscape transformed dramatically, with EV ownership climbing from just 3% of new car sales in 2012 to peaks of 94% in recent months. Currently, Norway boasts over 30,000 public charging points, reflecting its robust charging network, which is the second largest in Europe per capita. Looking ahead, while achieving a target of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2025 may not be feasible, experts expect that green vehicle sales will continue to dominate. The Nordic region is leading the global charge in electrification, with high EV sales rates also evident in Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. In contrast, countries like Spain lag behind, with only a 5.8% EV sales rate, highlighting the significant impact of supportive policies and public perception in driving the electric vehicle market.

Norway has emerged as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with almost 90% of cars sold last year being electric. This significant shift, accelerated by public incentives and policies, was initiated in the 1990s. Norway abolished the road tax for electric vehicles in 1990 and eliminated VAT on these cars in 2001, making them more affordable than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Currently, Norway boasts the world's highest ratio of battery-powered cars to petrol cars. Despite facing a cold climate and low population density, the Nordic nation has successfully transformed its road transport system, aided by technological advancements. The number of electric vehicle models available has increased from fewer than 10 in 2014 to over 160 today, with Tesla now leading sales in the country. Public charging infrastructure has also improved, with 30,000 charging points available, making it the second-largest network in Europe relative to its population. Norway's government has set a target for all new vehicle purchases to be zero-emission by 2025, and while 100% may not be reached this year, sales of green cars are expected to exceed 95%. Norway’s scenario contrasts sharply with countries like Spain, where electric vehicle sales are only 5.8%. Barriers in Spain include cumbersome access to direct subsidies and a lack of compelling public incentives.

Norway has achieved a remarkable milestone, with nearly 90% of cars sold last year being electric, making it the world leader in road transportation electrification. This is the only country where battery-powered vehicles outnumber petrol ones on the roads. Norway’s shift to electric cars began in the 1990s but gained momentum due to a series of government incentives aimed at making electric vehicles more attractive than combustion cars. Key policies introduced over the decades include the elimination of road taxes for electric vehicles in 1990, free toll road access in 1996, and abolishment of VAT on electric cars in 2001, which significantly reduced their costs. For instance, a €40,000 utility vehicle would be priced at €50,000 if it were combustion-powered due to the 25% VAT. Public support has played a crucial role in this transformation, supported by the country’s substantial oil revenue. Technological advancements have also fueled growth, with over 160 electric vehicle models now available compared to fewer than ten in 2014. Norway boasts a robust charging infrastructure with 30,000 public charging points, the second-largest in Europe relative to its population. In 2017, the Norwegian parliament set a target for all new vehicle purchases to be zero-emission by 2025. While achieving the target may be challenging, current trends indicate that the percentage of green car purchases could exceed 95% of total sales this year. Diesel vehicles remain the most common, but their registrations have been declining. Compared to its European counterparts, the Nordic countries are leading the way in electric vehicle adoption, with Iceland at 71% and Sweden, Finland, and Denmark not far behind. In contrast, Spain's adoption rate stood at just 5.8% in 2024, hindered by cumbersome subsidy processes.

Norway, long regarded as the UK’s primary energy supplier, has issued a stark warning about the imminent decline of its oil and gas production. Recent findings from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate indicate that production peaked in 2024 and is projected to decrease significantly in the coming years. The report estimates production could drop from approximately 230 million standard cubic meters to as low as 110 million by 2035. This decline poses significant risks for the UK, which relied on Norway for over 50% of its gas and around 25% of its oil supplies last year. Norway has replaced the UK’s North Sea as the primary source of gas, with the UK’s production expected to fall further by 70% over the next decade. As Norwegian output wane, experts warn that this may create a reliance on Russia’s gas, raising geo-political alarm across Europe. Investment in exploration and infrastructure is seen as critical to mitigate the decline, but with Norway's political landscape shifting towards greener policies and a commitment to reducing fossil fuel production, the future of oil and gas output in the country remains uncertain. The ongoing debate within Norway’s political circles about how quickly to transition from fossil fuels reflects a broader challenge facing many nations as they balance energy needs with environmental goals. As the situation develops, both British and Norwegian leaders will need to collaborate to ensure energy security in the face of potentially dwindling supplies.

Norway, a vital source of energy for the UK, is experiencing a significant decline in its oil and gas production, raising concerns about a potential energy crisis for Britain. According to a report from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, production has peaked and is projected to decrease from approximately 230 million standard cubic meters in 2024 to as low as 110 million by 2035. This decline follows a year in which Norway supplied the UK with half its gas and a quarter of its oil. Experts suggest that without increased investment in exploration and infrastructure, Norway's remaining fields will face rapid depletion, leaving the UK increasingly reliant on imports, including potentially from Russia. The report indicates that if investment does not improve, Norway's production status could shift dramatically by the late 2020s, with severe implications for both Norwegian households and UK energy security. Norway has historically benefitted from substantial oil revenue, which has contributed to its sovereign wealth fund accumulating over $1.74 trillion in assets. However, the political landscape is shifting, as parties committed to reducing fossil fuel production have gained traction. The next parliamentary elections, set for September, will be closely monitored by both Norwegian voters and UK officials, as they navigate the complexities of energy dependency and climate commitments.

An Amsterdam-bound KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight, identified as flight #KL1204, experienced a hydraulic failure shortly after departing from Oslo Airport on December 28, 2024. In response to the emergency, the crew diverted the Boeing 737-800 to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport, where it successfully landed. However, during the rollout, the aircraft veered off the right side of runway 18 and slid into a grass field. Despite the alarming circumstances, all 182 individuals on board, including passengers and crew members, were unharmed. Rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene to secure the area and assist in the evacuation of passengers through mobile stairs. KLM has not yet commented on the incident, and airport operations faced a temporary disruption. Authorities are currently investigating the matter to determine the cause and improve safety measures for future flights.

Norway has taken a significant lead in electric vehicle adoption, with nearly 90% of new cars sold in 2024 being electric, according to the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council. This figure positions Norway close to its goal of permitting only electric vehicles by 2025. Out of 128,691 newly registered cars last year, 114,400 were electric. The rise in electric vehicle sales has been dramatic; in 2012, only 2.8% of new car sales were electric. The government has supported this transition through various incentives, including tax exemptions, toll-free travel, free parking, and access to bus lanes. As electric vehicles become commonplace, some of these incentives have been reduced, yet the momentum continues. Tesla remains the leading manufacturer in the Norwegian EV market. In a related trend, Denmark reported that electric vehicles accounted for over half of all new car registrations in 2024, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable transportation in the region.