Yesterday, The Government sent the strategic impact assessment for offshore wind in the areas Sørvest F, Vestavind B and Vestavind F for public consultation, with a deadline for input on 12 March, 2025. The assessment and consultation are part of the basis for opening new areas for offshore wind.

In short, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate(NVE) has the following main recommendation for each of the assessed areas:

• Sørvest F can be opened for offshore wind and one new project area can be announced in the next round of 1500-2100 MW. Further announcements should wait until a better decision-making basis is available for migratory birds.

• Vestavind B should not be opened until the strategic impact assessment for the other 17 areas has been completed and the area has been compared with other nearby assessment areas, which may be more suitable. There are many conflicts in the area between offshore wind and other interests such as the petroleum industry, shipping and aviation.

• Vestavind F can be opened for offshore wind, and developed capacity in the area can be increased by an order of magnitude of 500 – 750 MW. NVE believes this can be done by opening up for increased capacity in the three existing project areas in Vestavind F or by establishing a new project area. To limit the overall burden on birds, only one of these alternatives should be prioritised.

Background

In April 2023, NVE submitted proposals for 20 areas that may be suitable for offshore wind, including two proposals for impact assessment programs. In September 2023, NVE was commissioned to carry out the strategic impact assessments proposed in April 2023. The impact assessments for the remaining 17 areas identified in April 2023 are expected to be delivered in June 2025.