Norwegian state enterprise Enova has set aside 2 billion NOK to stimulate innovation in the small-scale floating offshore wind sector. The initiative aims to advance technology development, reduce costs, and support Norway’s broader efforts towards environmentally-friendly energy production.
As part of this program, named “Konkurranse om støtte til småskala kommersielle flytende havvindprosjekter” (Competition for support to small-scale commercial floating offshore find projects), Enova is inviting enterprises to compete for funding, with the first application deadline set for December 1, 2023.
Enova’s CEO, Nils Kristian Nakstad, emphasises the organisation’s mission: “Enova supports pioneers in the industry. We see this as an opportunity to bolster the Norwegian supply industry, enhance our technological expertise, and develop knowledge surrounding floating offshore wind. This will contribute to faster cost reductions in the sector.”
The funding targets investment projects requiring more than €30 million in support. “We are looking for investment projects planned to commence within five years of approval. This framework is designed for approximately one to five wind turbines. Such projects are crucial to demonstrate the technology and reduce upfront risks and costs before major developments begin, like Utsira Nord,” added Nakstad.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Installed capacity in MW per support Krone, weighted at 70%.
- Degree of innovation and potential for wider application, weighted at 30%.
Key criteria for consideration includes projects that demonstrate floating offshore wind technology within the Norwegian economic zone and are planned to be operational within five years of approval. Nakstad clarified: “Full-scale commercial wind farms are not included in this support program.”
With an initial round of competition scheduled for this winter, Enova has hinted at a possible second round in 2024 or early 2025, contingent on the availability of quality projects.
Enova is organising a webinar (in Norwegian) to explain the details of the programme. The webinar will take place on 27 September at 13:00.
