Statkraft has applied for a licence to repower the Hitra wind farm in Norway and submitted a zoning plan proposal to the municipality of Hitra.
After more than 20 years of operation, the Hitra wind farm has demonstrated favourable wind conditions and generates electricity for more than 80 % of the hours in a year, according to the Norwegian developer.
“The licence application shows that power generation will almost double and meet the electricity needs of nearly 16,000 Norwegian households. The new wind farm will utilise the wind more efficiently, with minimal additional impacts on nature,” said Pål Eitrheim, executive vice president for the Nordics at Statkraft.
The renewed Hitra 1 will produce around 250 gigawatt-hours per year from 12–15 turbines, roughly doubling output with about half the number of turbines compared with today.
Since commissioning in 2004, Hitra 1’s 24 turbines have generated close to 2.7 terawatt-hours of electricity.
Existing infrastructure will largely be reused, with turbine tip heights increasing to a maximum of 220 metres.
“We are investing heavily in our hydropower plants to ensure they continue to produce when needed, and we are upgrading them to get the most out of the regulated water resources. However, if Norway is to increase electricity generation quickly, wind power is the only technology that can deliver meaningful volumes at an acceptable cost,” said Eitrheim.
“It is important that projects like these are rooted in the local community. We are pleased that the municipality of Hitra welcomes a third wind power development.”
The project will be processed in parallel by the municipality of Hitra and NVE, with public consultation expected around this summer if the zoning plan proposal is approved.
At full production, the wind farm will provide around NOK 15 million in direct annual revenues to the municipality of Hitra.