The Norwegian government aims to tender Utsira Nord and the first phase of the Southern North Sea (Sørlige Nordsjø II) offshore wind areas by the end of the first quarter of 2023, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, which has now issued frameworks for the tendering processes and opened consultation.

Commenting on the ambition from the government to launch the tenders in the first quarter of next year, Arvid Nesse from Norwegian Offshore Wind said: “We need a speedy process, and we expect the government to keep the timeline they have promised today. The entire Norwegian offshore wind industry is eager to get started, and we will work together to give the most constructive input possible”.

The government presented its proposals for the tender frameworks today, 6 December, and invited input from the offshore wind industry and other users of the sea on prequalification, auction model, and support scheme before the tender documents are drawn up.

The deadline for feedback is set to 6 January 2023.

“The government wants the investment in offshore wind to provide industrial development in Norway, facilitate innovation and technology development and provide increased production of renewable power. To achieve these goals, we must have a close dialogue with the offshore wind industry and other industries at sea”, said Terje Aasland, Norwegian minister of Petroleum and Energy.

According to the Ministry, it is a general goal for the work with the process for allocating Utsira Nord sites that state support is as low as possible, so a competition will be held for the support.

Source: Offshorewind