Corio Generation and A Energi have named their joint venture aiming to deliver Norway’s first grid-scale floating offshore wind farm as Nordvegen Vind.
Nordvegen Vind is targeting Utsira Nord, a deep water site off the south-west coast of Norway. It is one of two areas the Norwegian government has opened to licensing applications, with 1.5GW available in an initial round of development.
The venture is named for the old shipping route which for more than 3000 years has been a gateway for maritime trade and laid the foundation for Norway’s coastal development.
Both developers are also part of the separate Brigg Vind consortium, which is targeting Sorlige Nordsjo II in the southern part of the North Sea.
Chief executive of Corio Generation Jonathan Cole commented: “Norway has the ambition to become one of the first countries in Europe to develop grid-scale floating wind farms. We share this deep desire and believe Norway can show the way forward for floating wind, capturing the full potential of this phenomenal technology.
“Our Norvegen Vind team brings together Corio’s offshore wind experience, industrial capability and access to capital with A Energi’s impressive regional presence and energy market expertise. Together, we can deliver on Norway’s vision of an offshore wind nation leading the world.”
Chief executive of A Energi Steffen Syvertsen added: “Nordvegen Vind will, through Utsira Nord, contribute to developing a world-class floating offshore wind industry. In addition to contributing to increased renewable power production, offshore wind is a great opportunity for Norway to create new jobs, increase activity in the supply industry, new export opportunities, industrial development and local spin-offs.
“The development of floating offshore wind on Utsira Nord is extensive and complex. But Nordvegen Vind has the foundation to solve the task. Utsira Nord will help set the standard for floating offshore wind in Norway and the development of the Norwegian offshore wind industry.”