The Norwegian Government is setting set the wheels in motion for the announcement of three new offshore wind areas in 2025. The move was revealed today as the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) was directed to begin a strategic impact assessment of three potential sites.
This news surfaced during a meeting of the Offshore wind cooperation forum (in Norwegian: Samarbeidsforum for havvind), organised by the Ministry for Petroleum and Energy. The department subsequently issued a press release stating the intention of annoucing three new offshore wind areas for potential bids in 2025.
The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Aasland, confirmed, “Today, NVE has been instructed to initiate a strategic impact assessment of three areas that could be considered for bids in the 2025 round.”
Previously, NVE had suggested to the government the feasibility of expanding the already existing areas of Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord. This is what is now being looked at, in addition to the introduction of a completely new area: Vestavind B.
The zones currently under assessment are therefore:
- Sørvest F (which overlaps with Sørlige Nordsjø II)
- Vestavind F (ahich includes Utsira Nord)
- Vestavind B
Earlier in April, NVE showcased 20 prospective offshore wind areas. This presentation was conducted by a directorate group comprising NVE, the Petroleum Directorate, the Directorate of Fisheries, the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency, and Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection. All these directorates will play a pivotal role in the ongoing strategic impact assessments.
Impact assessments for Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord were completed back in 2012. However, the proposed expansion of their borders necessitates a fresh assessment prior to any official announcements for bidding.
