WR Energy Update: Strategic impact assessment for offshore wind
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has completed a strategic impact assessment of three of the 20 offshore areas identified as potential sites for offshore wind development in Norway. NVE recommends to increase capacity in the Vestavind F area, to open a new project area in Sørvest F, and to defer any developments in Vestavind B for the time being.
Lesetid 3 minutter
Last year, 20 marine areas that could potentially host wind energy projects was identified. NVE was tasked by the Ministry of Energy (Energidepartementet) to assess the likely effects of these projects on various interests in the marine areas, and as a result of this assessment, to determine their suitability for offshore wind development. In the first round, the Ministry instructed NVE to investigate Sørvest F, Vestavind B, and Vestavind F with the purpose of announcing further development of project areas by 2025. NVE has now sent its assessments and recommendations for these areas to the Ministry of Energy (Norwegian).
- Vestavind B is a new area located in the North Sea, outside Vestland. The area is assessed for floating offshore wind.
- Vestavind F is located in the North Sea, outside Rogaland. The area is part of the existing Utsira Nord area. The Utsira Nord area has already been announced for up to 1,500 MW of floating offshore wind development.
- Sørvest F is located in the central part of the North Sea, and will potentially be part of the area of Sørlige Nordsjø II. Sørlige Nordsjø II has already been opened up for bottom-fixed offshore wind.
Environmental, societal, and industrial impacts
The assessments evaluated environmental, societal, and business impacts and relied on input from several other public authorities. NVE's assessments were based on 22 comprehensive thematic studies, which have been thoroughly evaluated to understand the consequences of offshore wind development for each theme.
NVE's conclusions and recommendations
- NVE recommends to not announce Vestavind B for development for the time being. NVE considers the area to be technically suitable, and the risks associated with impacts to biodiversity in this area to be relatively less significant than in Vestavind F and Sørvest F. However, NVE considers the negative effects of this area to be disproportionate for the petroleum industry, shipping and aviation.
- The capacity in Vestavind F area can be increased for up to 750 MW. NVE considers the consequences for migratory bird species to be significant if more offshore wind power is developed in this area. In order to limit the overall impact on birds, NVE recommends to either increase the capacity in the existing project area in Vestavind F or establishing a new area.
- NVE found that a new project area can be announced for Sørvest F. The consequences for migratory birds could also be serious in this area if a lot of wind power is developed. However NVE recommends to proceed with caution in line with precautionary principle, as there is a need for more knowledge regarding the consequences for migratory birds. Other impacts of offshore wind in this area are either assessed as limited, or mitigation measures have been identified that can reduce the negative impacts.
Indication of future development
The assessments and recommendations by NVE are important as they provide a strong indication for where, and under what conditions, offshore wind will be developed in the foreseeable future. With plans to deliver assessments for the remaining 17 marine areas by the summer of 2025, the ongoing work by NVE will play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of offshore wind development in Norway, ensuring that these projects are carried out sustainably and with minimal negative impact on the environment and society.
Wikborg Rein has considerable experience with all aspects of offshore wind development in both Norway and overseas. With a team of 30 experts we cover all areas needed for offshore wind development under i.a. English and Norwegian law. Please feel free to reach out if you wish to discuss key trends within the industry.