RWE is partnering with local companies NTE and Havfram to participate in the Norwegian government’s tender process for floating offshore wind, which will begin later this year.
The trio will bid to build projects in the Utsira Nord zone, located around 30km off the coast of Norway west of the island of Svendsholmen.
The zone offers the opportunity to build up to 1.5GW new floating offshore capacity.
RWE Renewables offshore wind chief executive Sven Utermohlen: “Utsira Nord is an excellent opportunity for us to develop a floating offshore wind project on an industrial scale with two strong Norwegian partners.
“In the field of floating offshore wind power, we are doing pioneering work at no less than three demonstration plants, including the TetraSpar Demonstrator (pictured) which is being commissioned now at its site less than 20 kilometres from Utsira Nord.
“We will put the knowledge and experience we have gained in our pilot projects to work in Norway in the future.”
NTE chief executive Christian Stav said: “NTE is in the forefront of producing and delivering renewable energy.
“To be able to reach the 1.5C goal of the Paris Agreement and to successfully accomplish the green transition, we need to increase the production of renewable energy.
“Hydropower and floating wind are perfectly complementary energy sources in the Nordic energy mix. Therefore, we look forward to collaborating with RWE and Havfram as we are now taking the first steps towards developing floating wind in the Norwegian North Sea together.
“The technical know-how and international experience of our partners complement our local expertise across the entire value chain.”
Havfram chief executive Odd Stromsnes said: “The expansion of offshore wind is a crucial factor for a successful energy transition in Norway.
“With RWE and NTE, we strive to advance this transition, and aim to be a valuable addition to Norway’s marine energy sector.”