Harald Hårfagre, a joint venture between Deep Wind Offshore and EDF Renewables, along with a consortium of Equinor and Vårgrønn, will each be awarded a project area in Norway’s first floating wind tender, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy announced on 11 December.
In September, the Ministry reported receiving two applications for the 500 MW Utsira Nord areas, following the tender’s launch in May.
The Utsira Nord tendering process involves two stages: site allocation and state aid, with a maturation phase in between.
Initially, sites are allocated to developers based on qualitative criteria, including cost, maturity, innovation, technology development, feasibility, sustainability, and positive ripple effects.
The Ministry of Energy confirmed that both applicants met the qualification requirements and addressed the qualitative criteria effectively.
“I am pleased that we can move forward and award project areas in Utsira Nord to two strong applicants. These projects will contribute to developing floating offshore wind technology and increasing renewable power generation in South-West Norway,” said Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland.
After being allocated their project sites, developers can submit proposals for project-specific impact assessments, conduct assessments, and apply for licences. Licence applications, due within two years of impact assessment programme approval, entitle companies to compete for state aid.
If both developers apply for state aid, support will go to the one requiring the least aid. The maximum support is NOK 35 billion (around EUR 3 billion).
According to the Utsira Nord tender requirements, the support competition winner will establish a project close to 500 MW, depending on turbine size. The unsuccessful bidder can apply for an exclusive right extension for the project area under the Offshore Energy Act.
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