Since the early beginning of water driven saws and millstones, Norwegians have made use of their waterways for industrial purposes. Through innovative research and entrepreneurship, they succeeded in developing the knowledge needed to use their natural resources to produce electricity. Today Norway is one of Europe’s leading
producers of hydropower.
Ensuring a well-functioning interaction between nature and industry is exciting, but also challenging. Since the establishment in 1921, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate’s (NVE) mandate has been to ensure that the development of Norwegian hydropower is both environmentally friendly, as well as beneficial
to the Norwegian society at large.
NVE is a directorate under the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and is responsible for the management of Norway’s water and energy resources. They also work to reduce the risk of damages associated with landslides and flooding. NVE believes in open dialogue with the local communities, and they make sure that all interested parties receive the required information.
The directorate aims to ensure an integrated and environmentally sound management of the country’s water systems, promote efficient energy markets and cost-effective energy systems, and contribute to efficient energy use. They also bear the overall responsibility for maintaining national power supplies.
NVE is involved in research and development (R&D) and international development assistance NVE is also the national centre for expertise in hydrology. In addition, with its expertise in systematic mapping and observation, NVE has become an important actor both in national and international climate research.
NVE’s social mission has many facets. This brochure gives an insight in to the scope of their obligations, and the exciting challenges they face every day.
