A tie up between Equinor and Vargronn and a Deep Wind Offshore-EDF Power Solutions parnership have confirmed their participation in Norway’s 1500MW Utsira Nord floating wind tender.
The former consortium has mounted a bid for one of three 500MW plots up for grabs off Rogoland ahead of today’s (15 September) deadline for applications.
The country’s Ministry of Energy is expected to allocate the areas during the first half of next year before a potential auction for state aid in 2028-29.
Tender criteria include cost level, realism and maturity, innovation, implementation capacity and sustainability.
There are no financial commitments or fees associated with the acreage award.
The developers said their project would be based on the concept behind Equinor’s 88MW Hywind Tampen, which became the world’s largest operational floating wind farm when commissioned in Norwegian waters in November 2022.
The duo is also developing the 560MW Green Volt off east Scotland which is slated to become the world’s largest commercial-scale floater when it goes online in 2029-30.
“If we are awarded acreage, Utsira Nord will be an early-phase option,” said Equinor’s head of renewable energy in Norway Siri Espedal Kindem.
“To succeed, we must collaborate closely with the supplier industry, authorities, other users of the sea, and local interests.
“A prerequisite of this project is that it is technically feasible and profitable. There are good conditions for offshore wind in Norway, but it is crucial that the framework conditions are continued and that there is no uncertainty in this regard.”
Vargronn CEO Stephen Bull added: “Utsira Nord represents a unique opportunity for Norwegian industry and offshore wind.
“Our consortium is built on a well-established partnership, and together with Equinor, we have the expertise and conditions to develop a profitable floating wind project in Norway.”
Deep Wind Offshore and EDF Power Solutions submitted an application to build a 500MW floating wind farm.
The developers said the scheme could be the first large-scale floating offshore wind project on the Norwegian continental shelf and among the first globally.
They added that the venture marks the starting point for commercialisation of floating offshore wind in Norway, building on the country’s offshore traditions to create jobs and supply clean power.
Deep Wind Offshore chief executive Knut Vea said the company has been working on the project since 2021 and is committed to supporting local communities and developing the region’s industrial heritage.
The partners said their combined experience from Norwegian and international projects leaves them well placed to deliver the scheme under the current framework.
Deep Wind Offshore, headquartered in Haugesund, is developing 4GW of capacity under exclusivity and is backed by Knutsen Group, Haugaland Kraft, SKL and Octopus Energy.
EDF Power Solutions is a subsidiary of EDF, which has a 30GW offshore wind pipeline and this year commissioned the Provence Grand Large floating project in France.