A recent study by Norwegian engineering consulting firm Multiconsult suggests that in areas with lower levels of conflict in Norway, it is possible to develop up to 338GW of offshore wind power.

As of today, the Norwegian government’s target is 30 GW by 2040.

– It is uplifting to see that we have so many suitable areas in Norway, where the level of conflict is low, says Arvid Nesse, manager of the industry organization Norwegian Offshore Wind.

They have commissioned the report, together with the developers Equinor, Source Galileo, Hafslund and Deep Wind Offshore. Multiconsult has created a tool that these developers can use to plan new projects. Source Galileo has already made use of it and wants to build an offshore wind farm that can electrify Melkøya.

-But primarily this is an important database for further discussions about offshore wind in Norway, says Nesse.

In the analysis, particular emphasis is placed on coexistence with other industries.

– It is very important for the industry that we develop offshore wind alongside bird life, the fishing industry and marine life. This survey shows that it is possible to develop a formidable capacity, while at the same time taking care of several interests, says Nesse.

338 GW is ten times the Norwegian government’s target. Multiconsult points out that it is especially the areas that are suitable for floating offshore wind that have a low level of conflict.

– We have made an extensive data compilation in this survey, where we have examined bird life, fishing interests and environmental concerns, among other things. There are great opportunities for floating offshore wind in particular, but there are also good opportunities for renewable energy production within fixed offshore wind. At the same time, there are always consequences for the development of offshore wind that must be considered, but we believe we have identified many good areas that provide an important professional basis for the further discussion on the development of offshore wind, says Vegard Willumsen, head of department at Multiconsult.

Source: Norwegian Offshore Wind