EPJ Photovoltaics 17, 1 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjpv/2025023

Original Article

Integration of solar PV in a Norwegian energy system, navigating the trade-offs between land use and solar power production

Department of Electric Energy, O.S. Bragstads Plass 2E, 7034, Trondheim, Norway

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Received: 30 June 2025
Accepted: 1 November 2025
Published online: 13 January 2026

Abstract

To achieve our climate goals, the energy sector is increasingly shifting towards zero-emission sources, mainly renewable energy sources (RES), with solar power playing a pivotal role on the global stage. Nevertheless, many forecasts for future energy systems concentrate mainly on techno-economic aspects, which may not sufficiently capture the complexities associated with the deployment of renewable energy technologies. In particular, the expansion of RES has in recent years sparked tensions related to land use for new energy infrastructure, as well as growing concerns for biodiversity and environmental degradation. This study investigates the land use implications of different renewable energy system configurations in Norway, highlighting key trade-offs between land use requirements, costs, and emissions. The research specifically investigates potential pathways for solar photovoltaic (PV) in the Norwegian energy system, aiming to assess its potential future role within the broader Nordic context. Our findings shows that achieving national climate targets could require land use ranging from 18.43 to 5149 km², depending on the selected scenario and land use metric. While onshore wind is initially favored due to high availability and a low physical footprint, including considerations such as spacing requirements and access roads significantly increase total land impact. Conversely, solar PV systems demand greater installed capacity, raising the physical footprint. Offshore wind and rooftop PV systems offer minimal direct land use but involve higher costs and technical constraints. The analysis underscores the importance of consistent land use metrics, integrated spatial planning, and the inclusion of socio-economic factors in energy system modeling. As the expansion of RES increases land demand, careful planning is essential to balance ecological preservation, public acceptance, and climate goals.