Two consortia awarded project areas in Norwegian floating wind plan

In an 11 December 2025 statement, the Ministry of Energy said it had evaluated applications for the allocation of project areas and had decided that each applicant would be awarded an area sufficient for the development of up to 500 MW of floating wind capacity.

The consortia in question that have been awarded project areas include one comprising Equinor Utsira Nord and Vårgrønn Utsira Nord; and a second, the Harald Hårfagre consortium, consisting of EDF Renouvelables  and Deep Wind Offshore.

Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland said, “I am pleased that we can move forward and award project areas in Utsira Nord to two strong applicants. These projects will contribute to the development of floating offshore wind technology and increase renewable power generation in southwest Norway.”

The applications for project areas for floating offshore wind in the Utsira Nord area were the only ones to be submitted by the deadline of 15 September 2025. “Both applicants met the qualification requirements and provided good responses to the qualitative criteria. As a result, each will be awarded one project area,” said the Ministry.

Following the allocation of project areas, the companies will submit proposals for project-specific impact assessments and apply for licences to build floating windfarms in the areas allocated to them. Licence applications must be submitted within two years of approval of the impact assessment programme.

In this second stage of the process, the consortia that submit licence applications will also participate in a competition for state aid. Assuming both groups apply, the consortia requiring the least state aid to develop its project will proceed. The maximum level of support to be provided by the Norwegian government is Nkr35.0Bn (US$3.5Bn).

Industry association Norwegian Offshore Wind said it welcomed the announcement, which it described as “an important milestone for Norway’s offshore wind ambitions” that would “strengthen the country’s position at the forefront of floating wind development.”

Norwegian Offshore Wind chief executive Arvid Nesse said, “This is a great day for Norwegian offshore wind. This decision provides the clarity and momentum the industry needs.

“I sense the government is eager to get this project underway and is focused on progress. For the industry, momentum is crucial right now – and for the supply chain, new opportunities will arise as soon as the areas are awarded and the planning begins.”

The floating windfarm developed in the Utsira Nord area will be Norway’s first large-scale commercial floating wind project and is expected to act as a catalyst for industrial development and innovation.