Government pushes more solar parks despite losses at Norway's largest facility

Furuseth Solar Power Plant, Norway's first and largest ground-mounted solar installation, reported a significant operating loss in its inaugural full year, halving its equity value. The plant, owned mainly by regional publicly owned utilities, generated only about 3.5 million kroner in revenue, far below the cost needed to break even. Nevertheless, Energy Minister Terje Aasland granted a fresh solar licence in the same county, emphasizing the need for renewable electricity for local industry, without addressing profitability.

Earlier this year he indicated the 2027 state budget would support the parliamentary goal of 8 TWh of solar generation by 2030, but he gave no definitive answer when asked if the target would be pursued. The article argues that meeting the target would require many more similarly unprofitable projects and substantial subsidies drawn from public utilities.