Veronika Steen Amundsen

AS Batteriretur has finalized the sale of its majority stake in its subsidiary, Høyenergi AS, to Sortbat and its parent company, Bebat. This strategic acquisition strengthens Belgium's and Norway's leadership in the sustainable management of high-energy batteries, a critical component of the growing battery recycling and energy storage industries.

Testimony from parties and witnesses is often crucial evidence in Norwegian court proceedings. The main rule is that parties and witnesses must appear in court and provide oral testimony. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. Questions may also arise as to whether it is possible (or preferable) to submit written statements or audio recordings instead. In this update, we provide an overview of the rules that apply to oral and written testimony in Norwegian courts.

Last week, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in an insurance dispute between Å Energi Vannkraft and Tryg Forsikring. The case concerned Å Energi Vannkraft’s claim for insurance compensation following damage to the Rygene power plant in Grimstad. The Supreme Court concluded that the damage was not covered by the energy insurance.

Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the so-called ACER case, where the central question was whether the Constitution was violated when the Norwegian Parliament, in 2018, consented by a simple majority to include the EU's third energy market package in the EEA Agreement. The conclusion of the Supreme Court is that the transfer of authority that took place was of little interference, and therefore, the Parliament did not violate the Constitution's rules.

As a result of exciting and dynamic times within the energy industry, Chambers and Partners have highlighted the growth by publishing a new global practice guide, "Alternative Energy and Power 2023".

Nearly three years have passed since the areas Utsira Nord and Southern North Sea II were designated for offshore wind power production. During a press conference on March 29, 2023, the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced a competition for project areas for offshore wind in both regions. This marks the first time applications for offshore wind on the Norwegian continental shelf are open. The plan is to allocate the project areas for both Southern North Sea II and Utsira Nord by the end of 2023.