Shell is teaming up with Norwegian renewables companies BKK and Lyse to apply for offshore wind licenses in the Sorlige Nordsjo 2 and Utsira Nord zones off the coast of Norway.
The three companies said that they recently signed the agreement forging the alliance, with work to prepare the two applications well under way.
The partners view the Sorlige Nordsjo 2 zone, which borders Danish waters, as having opportunities for linking with elsewhere in Europe.
Shell general manager for offshore wind in Europe Hessel de Jong said: “We see Norway as interesting both in the perspective of supplying enough renewable energy to Europe and to develop floating offshore wind solutions that can become commercially viable.
“To us, Lyse and BKK are also valuable partners in a global context, with expertise in hydropower and grid infrastructure.”
Lyse chief executive Eimund Nygaard said: “We have not pre-selected any technologies or suppliers.
“Our projects represent great opportunities for the Norwegian offshore industry, which is world-class when it comes to innovation, quality and safety.
“The global market for offshore wind is growing rapidly and we aim to be a platform where Norwegian suppliers can develop competitive advantages to succeed in international tenders.”
BKK chief executive Jannicke Hilland said: “The two forms of renewable power – wind and hydro – complement each other perfectly.
“The North Sea has one of the best wind resources in the world.
“When this produces, we can hold back the water in our reservoirs.
“In calm periods, we can cover the demand for power by phasing in hydro-production.
“We wish to contribute to the electrification of the oil and gas industry and connect the offshore wind potential of the Southern North Sea to relevant markets in Europe.
“The interaction between offshore wind and hydropower will be an advantage for us.”