Orsted has joined a consortium with Fred Olsen Renewables and Hafslund Eco to compete in Norway’s upcoming application round for offshore wind areas.
The three parties see the cooperation as the perfect fit for realising large-scale offshore wind projects in combination with an offshore grid.
The consortium has the aim to deliver both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind power, while developing the Norwegian supply chain for the expected large-scale build-out of offshore wind in Norway and in Europe.
Orsted, Hafslund Eco and Fred Olsen Renewables will be equal partners in the consortium which will be applying for licences in both areas appointed by the Norwegian government, Utsira Nord and Sorlige Nordsjo 2.
The upcoming allocation round is expected to consist of up to 4.5GW across the two areas, with the technical potential being much higher.
The partnership will work closely with the strong local supply chain to expand Norway’s strategic position within floating offshore wind, specifically on the Utsira Nord site.
Orsted deputy group chief executive and chief commercial officer Martin Neubert said: “This partnership is an important step for Orsted, as we expand our footprint in the Nordics.
“At the same time, we have made the strategic choice to drive the commercialisation of floating offshore wind to unlock the massive potential of the technology around the world where Norway can become a key market in Europe.”
Orsted head of region for Continental Europe Rasmus Errboe said: “We’re very happy to enter the Norwegian market for offshore wind with Fred Olsen Renewables and Hafslund Eco, whose vast experience in renewable energy, power markets, the offshore wind supply chain and infrastructure makes them perfect partners for us.
“The consortium has a very strong position to compete for both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind in the areas expected to be tendered by the Norwegian government.”
Fred Olsen proprietor Anette Olsen added: “Adding to the extensive experience within renewable energy, energy grids and offshore wind, possessed by Hafslund Eco and Fred Olsen related companies, Orsted brings along the largest track record and competence in the world in developing local supply chains in this industry.
“This has resulted in significant creation of new local green jobs within offshore wind.
“Fred Olsen related companies have for years worked successfully with Orsted around the globe to develop strong supply chains for transport, installation, upgrades and maintenance of offshore wind turbines.
“Through this our companies have experienced Orsted’s competence and desire to develop local jobs in real life situations.
With the addition of Orsted, the consortium has further strengthened its ability to successfully assist Norway to secure a sustainable and efficient way forward within offshore wind.”
Hafslund Eco chief executive Finn Bjorn Ruyter added: “Offshore grid combined with offshore wind will create a profitable solution for Norway, delivering renewable power at low cost for electrification and green industrial growth.
“Orsted has for many years been the leader in bringing down the cost of offshore wind, which is a significant advantage on the journey to realise offshore wind in Norway and contributing to future export of Norwegian solutions.”