BP is set to join Statkraft and Aker Offshore Wind’s consortium to bid for developing offshore wind energy in the Norwegian North Sea.
The partnership will combine the three companies’ expertise and experience in offshore energy projects.
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Each firm will hold a 33.3% share in the partnership and will pursue a bid to develop wind power in the Sørlige Nordsjø II (SN2) licence area.
BP’s joining the consortium is expected to strengthen energy cooperation between the UK and Norway.
BP gas and low carbon energy executive vice-president Dev Sanyal said: “BP aims to grow our renewables business at scale and we see great opportunities in offshore wind energy.
“We have decades of offshore experience in the North Sea and will also bring our extensive trading capabilities and strong relationships in Europe.
“Coming together with Aker and Statkraft, we believe this consortium will be ideally positioned to effectively and efficiently grow and deliver clean power for European markets, as well as strengthening the supply to Norway when needed.”
Statkraft chief executive Christian Rynning-Tønnesen said: “We have extensive capability from the development and operation of onshore wind around the world and experience in significant offshore wind projects in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Strong growth, decreasing technology costs and the involvement of industrial and financial players all indicate the rising role that offshore wind will play in Europe.
“Our partnership with Aker and BP will create meaningful value and contribute towards Europe’s energy transition.”
Aker Offshore Wind chairman Kristian Røkke said: “Our partnership has the potential to redefine Norway’s position as an energy nation, and the consortium’s joint capabilities are building blocks to lead the energy transition.
“Together with Statkraft and BP, we will work to develop the Norwegian offshore wind industry, reduce emissions and create new jobs.”
By working together with local suppliers, the consortium aims to build industrial competencies for Norway’s offshore wind market.
Earlier this month, BP signed an agreement to acquire US-based solar development projects, with 9GW of total capacity, from 7X Energy.
