Enova

Background and Status

Enova SF is a Norwegian National Energy Agency owned by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE), established in 2001 with headquarters in Trondheim and a total staff of 55 employees. Enova SF works with a broad network of players in all sectors of the economy, including decision makers in commerce and industry, end-users, municipalities and other public sector and regulatory bodies. Enova’s role is to strengthen the links between the various groups of actors, to coordinate project development and to improve the effectiveness of public action in the energy area.

Vision and objectives

Enova’s vision is an energy-efficient and renewable Norway.

Enova’s primary objective is to promote environmentally friendly restructuring of energy end-use and energy production. The energy restructuring is a long-term initiative to develop the market for efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions that contribute to strengthening the security of supply for energy and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Strategic objectives

More efficient use of energy.
Increased use of other energy carriers than electricity, natural gas and fuel oil for heating.
Increased production of energy from renewable energy sources.
Introduction and development of new technologies and solutions in the energy market.
Well-functioning markets for efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Enhanced general knowledge about the possibilities for using efficient, environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Funding

To achieve these objectives, the Norwegian Parliament has set up an Energy Fund and indicated grants within a framework of up to NOK 5 billion (app. 650 million Euro) over a ten-year period. Enova manages the Energy Fund and finances programmes and initiatives that support national objectives. Enova SF develops and manages financial funding schemes that will result in cost effective and environmentally sound investments.

At the turn of its first ten year period, NOK 5.35 billion in the Energy Fund was tied to a portfolio of 3 912 active projects. Grants from Enova are available within energy production and energy efficiency areas and are distributed through the support programs structured under the following market areas:

Renewable Heating
Renewable Power Production
Industry
New Technology
Commercial Buildings
Public Buildings
Residential Buildings
International Activities

Tasks outside of the Energy Fund:

Natural gas
The Subsidy Scheme for Households
Municipality courses
The Low Energy Program
Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE)
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE)

Hydro-power projects, including production from small, micro and mini generation plants is currently not covered by Enova SF’s grant schemes. Enova SF does not fund or engage in research activities.

EnovaSF is responsible for organizing advertising campaigns, energy information and advice on technologies and solutions to end-users as well as delivering training and education programs for target groups within the energy sector

International Activities

Enova SF participates in various international activities within organizations and arenas such as IEA, EU, ECEEE, EnR. Enova SF represents the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in the IEA Energy Efficiency Working Party. Enova SF is an Executive Committee Members of several IEA Implementing Agreements and Programmes/Tasks.

Enova SF coordinates Norwegian applications and co-finances participation in the EU SAVE and ALTENER programmes and is a working board member of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ECEEE). Enova SF’s strategy and development unit coordinates participation in international activities.