Norway Seeks Leading Role in Floating Offshore Wind Technology

Norway’s world-leading test center, METCentre, has signed contracts with three companies to test innovative floating offshore wind technology, hoping to reduce costs and advance the development in the nascent renewables sector.

Located off Norway’s west coast, METCentre recently expanded its test area to accommodate up to seven turbines, capable of producing 85 MW collectively. The new projects will showcase floaters with 15+ MW turbines, a scale unmatched anywhere else in the world.

“This is very good news for innovation in floating offshore wind. The technologies now being planned at METCentre will be crucial when we get started with Utsira Nord,” said Arvid Nesse, head of METCentre and Norwegian Offshore Wind.

The test site’s proximity to Utsira Nord, the location of Norway’s first commercial floating offshore wind farm, adds to its strategic importance. Nesse states, “We are the only place in the world ready with permits to test projects of this capacity. If we are to get floating offshore wind started in Norway without further delays, it must begin at METCentre.”

While the specific companies involved remain confidential due to ongoing funding competition, the projects are vying for support from ENOVA, a state-owned enterprise that recently announced a new program for floating offshore wind.

Nesse underscores the critical role of these initiatives in maintaining Norway’s global leadership in floating offshore wind technology. He advocates for government investment in demonstration and test projects, stating, “The most important thing the Norwegian government can do now is investing in demo and test projects, to ensure that commercial projects in the future will be profitable and require less risk mitigation.”

As the floating offshore wind sector evolves, METCentre’s projects are poised to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, reducing costs, and shaping the future of renewable energy in Norway and beyond.