We are facing the biggest energy transformation since the oil and gas adventure of the 70s. In the period up to 2040, areas with the potential for 30 GW offshore wind production will be allocated. This corresponds to around 75 per cent of the capacity of today’s Norwegian onshore power system.

This means that the energy system must be modernised, policy instruments adapted, and the framework conditions changed. Based on a strong long-term presence within renewable energy and offshore, and extensive experience with assistance to various types of players and projects, Haavind is now making the theme page `Offshore Wind Insight` available.

Offshore Wind Insight provides a thorough overview of the upcoming tenders on the Norwegian Continental Shelf within areas such as regulatory framework, prequalification and licensing regime, finance and tax, and expectations around the contract regime, as well as a timeline for what is to come. In addition, there will be fresh news about offshore wind.

– We have the knowledge and experience from oil and gas, onshore wind power and from all other key sectors of the Norwegian energy industry. Through, among other things, our participation in the Entry Program Offshore Wind, and assistance to industry organisations and leading sector players, we are already strongly engaged in the accelerating energy transformation. Our long and extensive experience in both renewable energy and offshore projects gives us a fantastic starting point to deliver insight and advice on the legal perspectives of the offshore wind projects that are now coming, says Partner Bård Sandstad.

At Offshore Wind Insight, Haavind pays particularly close attention to the first areas for offshore wind in Norway: Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II.

– The regulations for license processing must ensure that several interests are catered for. There are still many topics that need clarification ahead of the tender process for the opened areas (Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II) and the subsequent awarding of licenses. In addition to the final determination of the allocation regime, there are also questions about how the offshore grid will be regulated, and which support schemes that will apply to the first projects, says Partner Jøran Sandvik.

The Norwegian Government has stated that the announcement of Utsira Nord and the first phase of Sørlige Nordsjø II is planned for the first quarter of 2023, with a subsequent allocation of the areas during the year. The Norwegian Government is also in the process of implementing changes to the tax regulations.

– About 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are energy-related. Energy and climate policy, and the regulations being designed, are naturally important drivers for changes in the direction of renewables. We want to contribute to a good understanding of the framework and the challenges and opportunities that lie in the upcoming licensing rounds for offshore wind in on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, says Partner Jøran Sandvik.