The Norwegian Government plans to tender the first phase of the Sørlige Nordsjø 2 and Utsira Nord offshore wind sites by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
The government said it will commence dialogue with the offshore wind industry and other users of the sea for input on pre-qualification criteria, an auction model and a support scheme.
In a package produced for public consultation, the government’s proposal for pre-qualification criteria, qualitative criteria and the allocation, auction and support model is laid out.
The deadline for making consultation comments is 6 January 2023.
“Today is an important day for offshore wind.
“We aim to allocate areas suitable for 30GW offshore wind by 2040, and hereby present the framework for allocating the areas in Utsira Nord and the first phase of Sørlige Nordjø 2.
“Collaboration is a key to success, and I hope we get a lot of input in the public consultation we have just published. This will set the standard for offshore wind in Norway,” said Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland.
The consultation includes an overview of the division of the areas in Sørlige Nordsjø 2 and Utsira Nord.
“The Government wants investments in offshore wind to provide industrial development in Norway, facilitate innovation and technology development, and provide increased production of renewable power in Norway.
“To achieve these goals, we must have a close dialogue with the offshore wind industry and other users of the sea,” said Aasland.