Norwegian power utility Agder Energi has partnered with the Macquarie-owned Green Investment Group (GIG) to bid for a floating offshore wind project in Norway’s Utsira Nord zone in the North Sea.
The 1.5GW Utsira Nord zone is one of two areas for which the Norwegian Government has invited licensing applications.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Agder Energi CEO Steffen Syvertsen said: “In addition to providing an important contribution to Norway’s renewable energy capacity, offshore wind represents a significant opportunity for Norway in terms of creating jobs and increased supplier activity.
“Norway has strong offshore industrial expertise, which can be applied in the emerging floating wind industry.
“With the extensive experience Green Investment Group brings in offshore wind development worldwide, and floating wind in particular, we can help Norway create a world-class offshore wind industry.”
Agder Energi operates 49 hydropower stations and is Norway’s fourth largest hydroelectric power producer, with an annual flexible production capacity of 8.7TWh flexible production capacity.
With their partnership, the two companies intend to create local job opportunities, drive innovation in Norwegian energy markets and facilitate growth in the Norwegian offshore wind supply chain.
The move is also intended to help the Norwegian government achieve its 2050 net-zero target.
GIG UK and Europe head Edward Northam said: “Norway has vast potential for floating offshore wind development, and we are delighted to be participating in the upcoming licensing round with Agder Energi.
“Agder Energi’s Norwegian energy market expertise and regional presence combined with GIG’s global floating offshore wind and infrastructure experience make for a strong partnership that can drive forward the floating offshore wind sector and provide a launchpad for Norway’s supply chain to engage with the global floating offshore wind opportunity.”
In October last year, GIG acquired the rights for the Kattegatt offshore wind farm in Sweden.
The wind farm is expected to have an installed capacity of up to 260MW when fully operational.
