Abstract
This thesis looks to explore what impact the Ukrainian-Russian conflict had on Norway’s renewable energy transition with some comparative points to the European Union’s transition. The Ukrainian-Russian conflict disrupted the European energy landscape and challenged energy
policies as well as the trajectory of different countries' energy transitions. This thesis investigates whether the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has hindered, stagnated, or accelerated Norway’s and the EU’s renewable energy transitions with a focus on the implications of the external shocks
imposed on them. The thesis utilizes the external shock and energy trilemma theoretical frameworks to analyze the qualitative data collected through interviews and secondary sources. Findings reveal that whilst the EU’s renewable energy transition pace has accelerated, Norway’s
has been hindered by increased oil and gas exportation to fill energy demands in the EU, higher costs of offshore wind projects, and political bottlenecks made worse by the external shocks imposed on Norway. The thesis concludes that Norway's dual identity as a major fossil fuel
exporter and having an electrical system powered by renewable energy presents a paradox that complicates its energy transition in the face of geopolitical conflicts and their ensuing external shocks. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping future energy policies in Norway that balance security, sustainability, and sovereignty to reduce carbon lock-in enough to be incentivized adequately enough to transition its energy production when the ‘right’ external shock occurs.
