Ørsted, the world's largest offshore wind developer, has joined a consortium with Fred. Olsen Renewables and Hafslund Eco with the aim to compete in Norway's upcoming application round for offshore wind areas.
"The Norwegian part of the North Sea holds great potential for the development of large-scale offshore wind farms that can supply green energy to Norwegian industries and households, and potentially also to other countries in the North Sea through the offshore grid needed to enable the massive build-out of offshore wind across Europe towards 2050.
The joint venture partners believe that working together is the best way to realize large-scale offshore wind projects in conjunction with an offshore grid.
"Offshore wind and offshore grid combined will create a profitable solution for Norway, utilizing Norwegian flexible hydropower and delivering renewable power at low cost," Ørsted said.
According to Ørsted, the consortium has the aim to deliver both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind power, while developing the Norwegian supply chain for the expected large-scale build-out of offshore wind in Norway and in Europe.
Ørsted, Hafslund Eco and Fred. Olsen Renewables will be equal partners in the consortium which will be applying for licenses in both areas appointed by the Norwegian government, Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II. The upcoming allocation round is expected to consist of up to 4.5GW across the two areas, with the technical potential being much higher.
"The Norwegian government has been a front runner in supporting the early-stage development of floating offshore wind, and the partnership will work closely with the strong local supply chain to expand Norway's strategic position within floating offshore wind, specifically on the Utsira Nord site," Ørsted said Wednesday.
Martin Neubert, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Group CEO at Ørsted, says: "This partnership is an important step for Ørsted, as we expand our footprint in the Nordics. At the same time, we have made the strategic choice to drive the commercialization of floating offshore wind to unlock the massive potential of the technology around the world where Norway can become a key market in Europe."