GE Vernova has received Nkr331m (€28m) to build a prototype offshore wind turbine at the Wergeland based in Gulen, Norway.
The manufacturer has received the funding from state funding agency Enova to build the 15.5MW prototype on land at the Slovagen industrial area in Gulen municipality.
The turbine will be completed in 2025 and will be tested for a period of up to five years.
GE Vernova account director Niklas Indrevaer said: “We’re immensely grateful for the support from Enova and the government. I believe the turbine will be a major step forward in offshore wind technology.
“We will continue to work closely with Enova, the local community, the Wergeland Group and all stakeholders to carry out this important project in a good and responsible way.”
In April 2024, the project was approved by Gulen municipal council and work is underway to reregulate the area.
The final license from NVE is expected during the second half of 2024.
After testing, the turbine is scheduled to stand on land and produce electricity for another 25 years.
“This is an important step towards reducing the cost of floating offshore wind in the long term,” said Astrid Lilliestrale, Director of Technology and Market Development at Enova.
“The project is receiving support because it will verify and demonstrate a more cost-effective technology than what is available in the market today.
“This project will accelerate Norwegian offshore wind efforts. If Norway is to meet its long-term climate commitments, industry and society must be electrified, and offshore wind plays an important role in this,” she added.