Norway reaffirms its leadership in floating wind energy with an ambitious step: the launch of the auction for the Utsira Nord project, boasting a capacity of 500 MW and a budget of 3 billion euros. This project is poised to be the largest floating wind farm in Europe, marking a milestone in the transition to renewable and competitive energy.
The auction winners will receive a bilateral contract for differences, enhancing the project’s economic security. However, some experts have pointed out that funding is limited, covering only one project instead of the originally planned two.
Norway has already demonstrated its capability in this sector with the Hywind Tampen project, and Utsira Nord represents a critical step in reducing costs and making floating offshore wind more competitive. According to Pierre Tardieu of WindEurope, the key to consolidating this position is maintaining a long-term vision and establishing a clear timeline for future auctions between 2025 and 2029.
Moreover, the industry expects the Norwegian government to expand its commitment to ensure the creation of a robust national supply chain, generating economic benefits for coastal communities and positioning Norway as a global leader in this crucial technology for reducing CO2 emissions.
Floating offshore wind energy is not only a solution for the energy transition but also an economic opportunity for Norway in international markets. Its success will depend on strategic decisions in the coming years.