Ocean Winds has announced its withdrawal from a three-company consortium bidding in Norway’s upcoming Utsira Nord floating wind tender. This departure marks the second exit from the partnership, following the earlier withdrawal of Mainstream Renewable Power’s parent company, Aker. As a result, Statkraft, the Norwegian state power group, is now left without any bidding partners for the 1.5 GW auction.
Statement from Ocean Winds
In a statement to reNEWS, Ocean Winds explained, “We have informed Statkraft of our decision to prioritize other opportunities in our portfolio and will not participate in the upcoming Utsira Nord auction in Norway.” This decision reflects the company’s strategic shift towards other projects.
Statkraft’s Response
In response to Ocean Winds’ exit, Statkraft stated that it is “assessing options to participate and succeed in the Utsira Nord licence allocation.” The company remains committed to exploring alternatives for the tender, despite the challenges posed by recent developments.
Tender Delays and Future Plans
The Utsira Nord tender has faced multiple delays, with the Norwegian Ministry of Energy announcing in March that the auction would be postponed to 2025. Energy Minister Terje Aasland emphasized the importance of establishing a solid foundation for floating offshore wind projects, stating, “We are concerned with building a solid foundation for floating offshore wind that will stand up. I hope that the notification can be approved before the turn of the year and want to make arrangements so that we can allocate project areas in Utsira Nord in 2025.”
Next Steps
As the tender approaches, the focus will be on how Statkraft can navigate the challenges of the current landscape and secure the necessary partnerships to move forward. Mainstream Renewable Power has been contacted for further comment on the situation.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of Ocean Winds from the Utsira Nord consortium highlights the complexities and competitive nature of the renewable energy sector in Norway. As Statkraft seeks new partners, the future of the Utsira Nord floating wind tender remains uncertain, with the industry watching closely for developments.
