Norway is moving forward with its plans to develop offshore wind energy, with the country’s oil and energy ministry considering three areas for an offshore wind tender scheduled for 2025. This initiative is part of Norway’s broader goal to achieve 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2040. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), the country’s energy regulator, has been tasked with evaluating these potential sites, located off Norway’s south and west coasts.

In April, NVE recommended 20 areas suitable for offshore wind farm deployment, but only two of these, Soervest F and Vestavind F, were deemed ready for development by 2025. These two areas encompass Norway’s initial tender locations at Soerlige Norsjoe II and Utsira Nord. Additionally, the ministry has asked NVE to begin a strategic impact assessment for Vestavind B, an area off the west coast known for favorable wind conditions and existing infrastructure.

The specific capacity to be developed in these areas has not been determined yet. The ministry expects the NVE to present its report on these sites by November 2024. Furthermore, the ministry has requested impact assessments for the remaining 17 suitable areas by June 2025 as part of the country’s aim to achieve its 2040 offshore wind target.

Norway’s first offshore wind tenders are currently open, with submissions due by November 1. These tenders include 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 Utsira Nord. These projects are expected to deliver clean electricity to mainland Norway starting in 2030, helping meet growing demand for decarbonization in various industries. Several companies, including Equinor, have expressed interest in developing offshore wind projects in Norway.