Norway awards two project areas for offshore wind in Utsira Nord

CapPro Reference: CP-03274
Originally Posted: 14/09/2023
Sector: Power - Offshore wind
Project Status: Planning/Pre-development
Location: Europe - Norway

Project Profile: In September 2023, Norway's Ministry of Oil and Energy identified three potential offshore wind areas in the North Sea for a planned 2025 tender. These areas are Sørvest F, Vestavind F, and Vestavind B. Sørvest F and Vestavind F are extensions of existing zones (Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord) with a combined potential of 4.5 GW, while Vestavind B is a new area. The Norwegian Government has tasked the Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) with conducting strategic impact assessments for these areas, with a deadline set for November 2024.

December 2025: The Ministry of Energy has evaluated the two applications for the allocation of project areas for floating offshore wind in Utsira Nord. It is now confirmed that each applicant will be awarded their own project area: Equinor Utsira Nord AS and Vårgrønn Utsira Nord AS; and Harald Hårfagre AS (Deep Wind Offshore Norway AS and EDF Renouvelables International SAS).

Following the allocation of project areas, the companies may submit proposals for project-specific impact assessment programmes, conduct assessments and apply for licences. Licence applications must be submitted within two years of the approval of the impact assessment programme. Companies that submit license applications will also be entitled to participate in the competition for state aid.

Source: regjeringen.no