The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has called for prequalification applications by 1 September 2023 for the Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord offshore wind power areas. The initial deadline was 4 August but it was recently postponed.
In the case of Sørlige Nordsjø II, located near Danish waters, the expected power output is between 1.4 and 1.5 GW, with the most likely type of wind farm being bottom-fixed. The government will prequalify six to eight applicants based on their ability to implement (60%), sustainability (20%), and positive local impacts (20%). These applicants will then participate in an auction, with the lowest bid (measured in price per kilowatt) winning. The winner will receive temporary exclusive rights to the project area and can apply for a concession.
Utsira Nord, located off the coast of Rogaland, is expected to be developed with floating wind turbines. The area will be divided into three project areas, each with a power output between 460 and 500 MW. Winners are expected to be announced in December and will receive exclusive rights to perform a project-specific environmental impact assessment and apply for a concession.
A host of companies and consortiums are preparing to apply for these projects. We prepared the following overview.
| Consortium | Utsira Nord | Sørlige Nordsjø II |
|---|---|---|
| Norseman Wind – EnBW – Norgesgruppen | X | |
| Equinor – Vårgrønn | X | |
| Equinor – RWE | X | |
| RWE – Havfram – NTE | X | |
| Brigg Vind: Vårgrønn – Å Energi – Corio Generation | X | |
| Å Energi – Corio Generation | X | |
| Blåse: Norsea Group – Parkwind – CIP – Hammerfest Energi – Varanger Kraft | X | |
| Ventyr: Norsea Group – Parkwind | X | |
| UtsiraVIND: Source Galileo Norge – Odfjell Oceanwind – Ingka – Kansai | X | |
| Seagust – Vattenfall | X | X |
| Aker Offshore Wind – Statkraft – Ocean Winds (EDPR / Engie) | X | |
| Aker Offshore Wind – Statkraft – BP | X | |
| Shell – Lyse Energi – Eviny | X | X |
| Blåvinge: Fred Olsen Seawind – Ørsted – Hafslund Eco | X | X |
| Skjoldblad: Norsk Havvind – Total Energies – Iberdrola | X | X |
| Deep Wind Offshore – EdF | X | X |
| Magnora Offshore Wind | X | X |
| Zephyr – RES Fornybar Norge | X |
