A tie up between Equinor and Vargronn and a Deep Wind Offshore-EDF Power Solutions partnership have been awarded areas in Norway’s 1500MW Utsira Nord floating wind tender.
Norway’s Ministry of Energy announced today that it had evaluated the two applications for the allocation of project areas for floating offshore wind in Utsira Nord and that each applicant will be awarded their own area.
“I am pleased that we can move forward and award project areas in Utsira Nord to two strong applicants. These projects will contribute to developing floating offshore wind technology and increasing renewable power generation in South-West Norway,” says Minister of Energy Terje Aasland (pictured).
The Ministry received two applications for the allocation of project areas for floating offshore wind in Utsira Nord before the deadline on 15 September 2025. Both applicants met the qualification requirements and provided good responses to the qualitative criteria.
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. If both groups apply, one will receive support based on requiring the least state aid to develop its project. The maximum level of support is NOK 35 billion.