RWE Renewables, Equinor and Hydro REIN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Windport, a supplier of port facilities in the Mandal area, to assess possible options there if the consortium wins the upcoming Sørlige Nordsjø II offshore wind farm tender.
The Norwegian Government has announced that the first phase of the Sørlige Nordsjø 2 area will be auctioned during 2023, giving the winner the opportunity to develop a 1.5GW windfarm that provides power to the Norwegian mainland.
RWE Renewables, Equinor and Hydro REIN jointly aim to develop a large-scale bottom-fixed offshore wind farm in the North Sea area.
Windport AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ocean Technology, aim to provide port facilities for the development and construction phase of the wind farm.
In the agreement signed with Windport AS, the parties have agreed to exchange and discuss information to assess feasibility for a potential industrial development, related to such port facilities.
The agreement does not cover operations and maintenance base facilities. This is covered in a separate process towards potential Norwegian harbour locations.
Equinor project director for Sørlige Nordsjø II Arne Eik said: “We are pleased to enter into this initiative.
“The Norwegian Government has set a target for offshore wind of 30GW in Norway by 2040.
“The North Sea has among the world’s best wind resources.
“A large-scale offshore wind farm at Sørlige Nordsjø 2 could play a key role in expanding the North Sea as an offshore energy hub, and create new industrial opportunities.”
Development Nordics at RWE Renewables Matilda Machacek added: “The expansion of offshore wind is a crucial factor for a successful energy transition in Europe.
“We at RWE will bring in our extensive experience and knowledge, and contribute to help Norway in delivering its offshore wind ambitions, together with our partners.”