Perspectives for offshore wind in Norway

The EU's plan for the energy sector means that offshore wind will become the largest contributor to power generation in Europe

Offshore wind must first contribute to i) resolving Norway's expected deficit in power production and ii) meeting our climate commitments.

According to Statnett, Norway's energy balance in a normal year goes from a surplus in 2022 of approx. 18 TWh, to a deficit in 2027 of 2 TWh. In the same time period, Southern Norway goes from a surplus of around 7 TWh to a deficit of 7 TWh. Without replenishment of new power production, the deficit could be even greater if consumption does not decline due to higher prices in Norway than in our neighboring countries.

Norway must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Fossil energy covers almost half of Norwegian energy consumption (transport, industry, offshore etc.). This means that the energy system in Norway must be changed significantly, and industry must be restructured to cut emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, industrial growth will increase the need for more emission-free energy.

We believe Norwegian policy can also show the way for a large number of offshore wind farms on the Norwegian continental shelf, which in the long term are connected to the same network with connections to the continent / Great Britain. Such a perspective will provide:

• a contribution to the de-carbonisation of Europe,
• export income to Norway,
• development of a large and diverse Norwegian supplier industry.

A parallel can be drawn from the development of Norwegian gas exports to the possible development of offshore wind power as a new and large Norwegian export industry.