It is possible to develop 338GW of offshore wind in Norway in areas with a low level of conflict, according to new analysis from Multiconsult.
The Norwegian government’s target is currently 30GW by 2040, according to Norwegian Offshore Wind, which commissioned the research along with Equinor, Source Galileo, Hafslund and Deep Wind Offshore, said.
There are 28 areas that have been selected as suitable for floating offshore wind and 18 areas for fixed offshore wind.
Source Galileo has already made use of the analysis and wants to build an offshore wind farm that can electrify Melkoya.
Norwegian Offshore Wind manager Arvid Nesse said: “It is uplifting to see that we have so many suitable areas in Norway, where the level of conflict is low.
“But primarily this is an important database for further discussions about offshore wind in Norway.”
In the analysis, particular emphasis is placed on coexistence with other industries.
Nesse added: “It is very important for the industry that we develop offshore wind alongside bird life, the fishing industry and marine life.
“This survey shows that it is possible to develop a formidable capacity, while at the same time taking care of several interests.”
Multiconsult points out that it is especially the areas that are suitable for floating offshore wind that have a low level of conflict.
Vegard Willumsen, head of department at Multiconsult, said: “We have made an extensive data compilation in this survey, where we have examined bird life, fishing interests and environmental concerns, among other things.
“There are great opportunities for floating offshore wind in particular, but there are also good opportunities for renewable energy production within fixed offshore wind.
“At the same time, there are always consequences for the development of offshore wind that must be considered, but we believe we have identified many good areas that provide an important professional basis for the further discussion on the development of offshore wind.”