The Norwegian Offshore Wind Association (NVE) has made a recommendation to the government to expand the capacity at the floating offshore wind area Utsira Nord by up to 750MW.
According to the trade body, the scope of offshore wind in Vestavind F can be increased and so its recommendation is to increase the capacity by 500MW–750MW.
“This can either be achieved by allowing for increased capacity in the three existing project areas within Vestavind F or by establishing a new project area,” said NVE spokesperson Inga Nordberg.
“To limit the overall impact on birds, only one of these alternatives should be chosen.”
Vestavind B is a new area that the Ministry of Energy has requested NVE to investigate and assess for potential opening.
The area is located in the North Sea off the coast of Vestland.
Nordberg said: “We recommend that Vestavind B not be opened for offshore wind at this time.
“While the area is technically suitable, the negative impacts of offshore wind development here could be significant for the petroleum industry, shipping, and aviation.
“However, the environmental impact on biodiversity in this area is less pronounced compared to the other two areas.
“We suggest comparing Vestavind B with other relevant areas to determine whether there are alternative sites that are equally suitable technically but with fewer conflicts.”
NVE therefore recommends postponing further processes for Vestavind B until the strategic environmental assessment of the other 17 areas is delivered in June 2025, at which point a new evaluation of the opening question can be conducted.