Norway's Solar Giants Set Sights on India's Green Boom
Ambassador May-Elin Stener reveals Norwegian solar firms are targeting India for expansion, focusing on floating solar and green energy.
Norwegian enterprises specializing in solar energy are aggressively scouting for expansion avenues and strategic partnerships within India. This surge in interest was highlighted by Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, who emphasized that bilateral economic ties are gaining significant momentum, particularly within the renewable energy sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Bharat RE Summit and Expo 2026, Ambassador Stener noted that high-level diplomatic dialogues and recent trade frameworks have paved the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
A Diversified Commercial Footprint
Norway already maintains a substantial presence in the Indian market. According to the Ambassador, approximately 106 Norwegian companies are currently operating in India. While the maritime sector remains the dominant force—accounting for about 70 percent of these firms—the remaining 30 percent are heavily invested in the green energy sector.
The Ambassador revealed that more firms are now monitoring the Indian marketplace to deploy specialized technologies, signaling a shift toward high-tech sustainable solutions.
The Rise of Floating Solar Technology
One of the most promising areas of collaboration is floating solar energy. Ambassador Stener pointed to this specific technology as a prime example of Norwegian innovation that is finding a home in India.
"I think we will see more of that and we also have other Norwegian companies in this sector of solar energy looking to India and looking for opportunities here. So they are definitely interested," she stated.
Concrete examples of this cooperation are already emerging. The Ambassador highlighted a notable joint venture between the Indian giant Tata Power and the Norwegian firm Ocean Sun, focusing specifically on floating solar energy projects.
The Impact of Strategic Partnerships and Trade Pacts
The acceleration of these ties can be traced back to key diplomatic milestones. Ambassador Stener noted that the "green strategic partnership" established following Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway in May this year has provided a robust foundation for energy cooperation.
Furthermore, the trade and economic partnership agreement between India and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has been a catalyst. Having been in force for a year, this agreement has created a stable framework for cross-border investments, making the renewable energy sector the second-largest area of cooperation after the maritime industry.
Beyond Solar: Gas and Carbon Capture
While solar energy is a major focus, Norway's economic engagement with India extends into other critical energy domains:
- Natural Gas: The Ambassador identified natural gas as the fastest-growing import from Norway to India.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Norway hosts one of the world's largest CCS installations. The Indian Minister of Oil and Gas recently visited the facility following its opening last year, signaling India's interest in adopting Norwegian expertise and technology in carbon management.
The evolving relationship continues to grow across multiple verticals, including shipping, offshore projects, and the service sector, as both nations align their goals toward a sustainable energy future.