In pursuit of its ambitious target to develop 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2040, Norway's Ministry of Oil and Energy has revealed plans to assess three potential offshore wind areas for an upcoming tender in 2025. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), the nation's energy regulator, has been entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating these sites along Norway's southern and western coasts.
In April, NVE identified 20 areas suitable for offshore wind farm deployment, but it has determined that only two of these locations, Soervest F and Vestavind F, will be prepared for the 2025 tender. These areas encompass the initial tender locations of Soerlige Norsjoe II, situated near the sea border with Denmark, and Utsira Nord, located off the southwest coast in proximity to the city of Haugesund.
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Furthermore, the Ministry of Oil and Energy has requested NVE to initiate a strategic impact assessment for Vestavind B, an area positioned off the western coast near the city of Bergen. This region boasts favorable wind conditions and significant existing infrastructure, making it a promising candidate for offshore wind development.
The specific capacity that can be developed in these proposed areas remains undetermined at this stage, as stated by Petroleum and Energy Minister Terje Aasland in an interview with Reuters. NVE is expected to present its comprehensive report on these sites by November 2024.
Additionally, the ministry has directed the regulator to conduct impact assessments for the remaining 17 areas suitable for development, with a deadline of June 2025, as part of Norway's broader goal to reach 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040.
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Norway's initial tenders, accepting submissions until November 1, include plans for 1.5 GW of bottom-fixed offshore wind capacity at Soerlige Nordsjoe II and up to 2.25 GW of floating offshore wind capacity at the Utsira Nord location. These projects are slated to supply green electricity to mainland Norway starting in 2030, addressing the growing power demand from industries striving to decarbonize their operations.
Numerous companies, including the state-controlled oil and gas conglomerate Equinor, have expressed keen interest in participating in the development of offshore wind projects in Norway, marking a significant step in the nation's transition towards renewable energy sources.
