Aker Solutions’ new offshore wind spinoff is planning to develop floating and deepwater wind projects, totalling 1700MW, in the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Aker Offshore Wind is seeking to develop two projects within the offshore wind areas Utsira Nord and Sorlige Nordsjo 2.
Aker Offshore Wind said Sorlige Nordsjo 2 could potentially be the site of the 1.2GW Sonnavindar project featuring a mix of deepwater bottom-fixed foundations and floating foundations in water depths of up to 70 metres.
At Utsira Noord, the company will propose to build the 500MW Vestavindar floating wind project where water depths are more than 220 metres.
The license award process will start from January 2021.
Aker Offshore Wind is looking to bring Vestavindar online in 2026 and Sonnavindar between 2026 and 2029.
The company aims to make final investment decisions for both in early 2024.
Aker Offshore Wind said it will also work with Aker BP to “drive industrialisation of offshore wind and thereby create an opportunity for large-scale electrification of the Norwegian Continental Shelf”.
The companies propose expanding and reusing existing facilities at the Valhall oilfield to serve as a “power hub and an energy island” for the export of electricity to continental Europe.
The hub could also be used for the production of hydrogen or ammonia, and could also host charging stations for renewable shipping.
Aker Offshore Wind has also entered into an agreement with a “reputable utility company” to submit a joint bid in the ScotWind seabed leasing round in Scotland.
The project will have the capacity of over 500MW and is expected to be commissioned by 2030 if selected.
Astrid Onsum has been appointed chief executive of Aker Offshore Wind.